Latest Shohei Ohtani News

Ohtani fans Trout, Japan tops US 3-2 for WBC championship

Mar. 22, 2023 01:51 AM EDT

MIAMI (AP) — Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout had dreamed of this moment, along with millions of fans throughout Japan and the United States: the two biggest stars on the planet, longtime teammates, facing each other at 60 feet, 6 inches, the world title at stake. Of course, the count...

All-Stars of Team USA outmatched, outpitched in WBC final

Mar. 22, 2023 01:09 AM EDT

MIAMI (AP) — As Trea Turner rounded the bases Tuesday night after hitting his fifth home run of the World Baseball Classic, the “M-V-P!” chants roared throughout loanDepot park. Turner's tournament outing — tied for the most in a single WBC, with a grand slam — was a...

Ohtani ready to pitch vs Trout, USA in relief at WBC final

Mar. 21, 2023 10:34 AM EDT

MIAMI (AP) — That matchup between Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani in the World Baseball Classic may not happen. Japan rallied in the ninth inning to beat Mexico and advance to Tuesday night’s championship game against the United States, but Shota Imanaga will start on the mound for...

Ohtani, Japan rally in 9th, edge Mexico 6-5, reach WBC final

Mar. 21, 2023 01:40 AM EDT

MIAMI (AP) — When Shohei Ohtani reached second base after hitting a leadoff double in the bottom of the ninth inning, he immediately looked up at the crowd and waved his arms, in a rare sign of emotion, as if he knew what was coming next. Ohtani's clutch hit sparked a late rally,...

Japan's Sasaki likely to be coveted when available for MLB

Mar. 19, 2023 15:43 PM EDT

MIAMI (AP) — If Rōki Sasaki knows the perfect time for him to switch to the major leagues, he's good at keeping a secret. The 21-year-old right-hander pitches in a U.S. ballpark for the first time Monday night, when he'll start for Japan in a World Baseball Classic semifinal...

Urías leads Mexico 5-4 over Puerto Rico, into WBC semis

Mar. 18, 2023 00:00 AM EDT

MIAMI (AP) — Luis Urías hit the go-ahead single in a three-run seventh inning that fueled Mexico’s 5-4 comeback victory over Puerto Rico to advance to its first-ever World Baseball Classic semifinals. Mexico will face Shohei Ohtani and Japan in the semifinals Monday. Puerto Rico...

Spring training's loss is WBC's gain as viewership jumps

Mar. 17, 2023 19:20 PM EDT

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Many of Major League Baseball's biggest stars, like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani, aren't playing in spring training. They're in the World Baseball Classic. Some baseball fans, particularly New York Mets fans, aren't sure that's a good thing. ...

Ohtani leads Japan over Italy 9-3, into WBC semifinals

Mar. 16, 2023 11:19 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan manager Kideki Kuriyama still gets a special tingle watching Shohei Ohtani. It's been that way since Kuriyama managed the two-way star with the Hokkaido Ham-Fighters. “When we see Shohei playing, not only the players but also the Japanese baseball fans, all the...

Japanese stars Ohtani, Sasaki turn Czech players into fans

Mar. 13, 2023 12:40 PM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Players become fans, collect souvenirs, chase autographs and cherish memories — some painful. That's a common thread running through the World Baseball Classic when opponents face Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani and his Japanese teammates. Take...

Ohtani long HR powers Japan; Italy advances at World Classic

Mar. 12, 2023 19:25 PM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run homer that landed just below his image on a video advertising board, sending Japan to a 7-1 victory over Australia in the World Baseball Classic on Sunday night. Ohtani also walked twice and finished with four RBIs. His first-inning drive...