Shohei Ohtani Ignites Samurai Japan With Historic WBC Inning
When Shohei Ohtani returns to Japan, he tends to make it memorable.
That trend continued Friday night as Ohtani delivered a dominant performance in Samurai Japan’s 13-0 mercy-rule victory over Chinese Taipei during the World Baseball Classic.
The global superstar wasted no time putting on a show for the packed crowd.
Early Statement From Ohtani
Ohtani stepped to the plate for his first at-bat and immediately attacked the first pitch he saw. The result was a scorching double down the right-field line that left the bat at 117.1 mph.
While that opportunity ended with him stranded at third base, his next trip to the plate would completely change the game.
Record-Setting Inning
With the bases loaded later in the inning, Ohtani jumped on a 2-1 curveball from Chinese Taipei starter Hao-Chun Cheng and launched it into the right-field seats.
The grand slam sparked a massive rally as Japan exploded for 10 runs in the frame — the most runs scored in a single inning in World Baseball Classic history.
“I knew it was going to leave the park right after I hit it,” Ohtani told MLB’s Michael Clair early Friday morning. “It’s important to score first, so I really wanted to drive in at least a run.” (Source)
The 31-year old wasn’t finished.
When he came to the plate again later in the second inning, he added an RBI single. The sequence gave him five RBIs in the same frame, another record-setting mark in tournament history.
“That was the inning that really decided the game,” Ohtani said. “After scoring the first few runs, we kept our focus and worked some walks, so I think we managed the game well from there. Overall, I think it was a good game.”
A New Team Celebration
As Ohtani rounded the bases after his grand slam, he showcased Samurai Japan’s newest dugout celebration.
Players mimicked whisking matcha — a nod to Japanese culture that has become the team’s latest rally gesture.
The celebration was introduced by pitcher Koki Kitayama, according to Ohtani.
The idea followed the popular pepper-grinder celebration from the 2023 tournament, which was created by Lars Nootbaar.
Ohtani said the inspiration came from wanting to create a relaxed atmosphere inside the clubhouse.
“Kitayama really put a lot of thought into coming up with that idea, so I’ll keep doing my best to continue making that gesture,” Ohtani said.
Team Chemistry Building
Beyond the highlights on the field, Ohtani emphasized that the group continues to grow more connected as the tournament progresses.
“We’re communicating more, little by little,” Ohtani said. “It’s not just a performance, we’re talking things over and trying to create something good as a team. I think our communication is excellent.”
Japan Chasing Another Title
With their dominant victory, Samurai Japan strengthened its position as one of the favorites in the tournament.
If Ohtani continues producing performances like this, Japan could be well on its way to the knockout rounds in Miami — and potentially another championship run.
The nation already owns three World Baseball Classic titles, and this year’s roster appears capable of delivering a fourth.