Team Japan is your World Baseball Classic champion.
On Tuesday night, Japan defeated the United States by a final of 3-2, unseating Team USA as the defending champions.
And it ended in perfect fashion, featuring an intense battle with two outs in the ninth inning between Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.
The count ran full, but Ohtani won the battle by sneaking a slider by his Los Angeles Angels teammate, which he swung through for the final out.
After the game, Ohtani received an elite honor for his contributions in the Classic, as he was named MVP of the tournament.
MLB on FOX posted a cool graphic featuring Ohtani to celebrate his accomplishment.
Shohei Ohtani is your 2023 WBC MVP! 🏆🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/NLqMqqNhyf
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 22, 2023
Ohtani did not start the final game, but was available to pitch in relief.
Ultimately, Team Japan found a perfect spot for him, and he ultimately finished the job by striking out Trout.
Ohtani’s two-way abilities are well documented, and he’s proven that he can pitch like an ace and hit for power at the plate.
Such has resulted in him drawing comparisons to the great Babe Ruth.
But the Angels superstar is definitely a deserving choice for the award.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Ohtani is one of, if not the best player in all of baseball.
Though he has still yet to experience postseason baseball, he experienced something similar this month and proved that he can perform in high-pressure situations.
Now, Opening Day nears, and he’ll look to carry his WBC success into the regular season.
NEXT: MLB Insider Discusses The Legendary World Baseball Classic Finish
