No player in baseball history has shown a two-way ability at the level of Shohei Ohtani, and the Japanese Los Angeles Angels star can add one more item to an already unprecedented resume: World Baseball Classic closer.
Ohtani put the finishing touches on Japan's undefeated run at the 2023 WBC on Tuesday, protecting a one-run lead in the ninth inning of a 3-2 win to give his country an unprecedented third title in the event's history.
He started the game as a designated hitter, going 1-for-3 with a run and a walk at the plate. Even before taking the field, it was wondered if he would see the mound after the Angelsfor the former MVP to pitch. Ohtani moved between the dugout and bullpen several times in the later innings, before finally emerging in the ninth inning for what will likely go down as one of the most-watched moments in baseball history.
That inning started with a full-count walk of Jeff McNeil, but that was followed with a double play off the bat of Mookie Betts. It all came down to a matchup so serendipitous it felt scripted: Ohtani vs. his Angels teammate Mike Trout. The most talented player of a generation against the most talented player of the previous generation.
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