Lars Nootbaar is well loved among fans of the St. Louis Cardinals.
However, that love is spreading beyond the City of St. Louis and around the world.
Famous for his “grind the pepper” celebration every time he or another member of the Cardinals gets a hit, Nootbaar brings great energy to the team and is well respected by the team’s veterans.
Now playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic, Nootbaar is showing the world just what he can do.
After a strong performance in his first WBC game, the young outfielder stayed hot and led Japan to another victory.
Bally Sports Midwest, the TV home of the Cardinals, posted Nootbaar’s stat line on Twitter.
NOOOOOOT stays hot in the #WorldBaseballClassic! #STLCards pic.twitter.com/dnRmz3jFOV
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) March 10, 2023
Japan won the game over Korea by a final score of 13-4.
Nootbaar went 2-for-4 at the plate, drove in a run, scored two, and was hit by a pitch as he helped guide Japan to a victory over Korea and his current Cardinals teammate in Tommy Edman.
The Cardinals like what they have seen out of Nootbaar thus far and are hoping that soon, he’ll be able to secure the starting job in right field.
With the way he’s been hitting in the WBC, it looks very likely that Nootbaar will be the Opening Day right fielder for the Cardinals on March 30.
The young outfielder provides solid contact at the plate, speed on the bases, and elite defense out in right field, which bodes well for the 25-year-old as Opening Day approaches and the Classic rolls on.
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