The Los Angeles Angels were somewhat torn on their allegiance on Monday night when Team Mexico and Team Japan squared off in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.
On one hand, Shohei Ohtani, the rock of the team, was in the lineup for Team Japan.
On the other hand, left-hander Patrick Sandoval received the start for Team Mexico.
It was unavoidable, but the two Angels teammates had to face each other batter to pitcher on Monday, which made for an interesting battle.
Sandoval struck out Ohtani looking during the game, and the Angels weren’t sure where to place their allegiance.
On Twitter, the Angels posted a video of the moment and expressed how it gave them mixed reactions.
this is a lot for us to emotionally process #GoHalos x @WBCBaseball pic.twitter.com/JM06o7AnHb
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) March 20, 2023
A moment like that would certainly give any team mixed reactions.
The Angels obviously want to see both of their stars do well in the World Baseball Classic.
But when one player is on a certain side and another is one the opposite side, it’s hard to choose.
The Angels experienced that firsthand on Monday night, and they’ll experience it again on Tuesday night.
Japan eliminated Mexico in dramatic fashion, winning the game on Munetaka Murakami‘s two-run double off of Giovanny Gallegos.
Japan will ultimately match up with Team USA on Tuesday night to determine who the champion of the tournament will be.
Ohtani will obviously be in the lineup for Japan, but Team USA will have three-time MVP Mike Trout in their lineup, so the Angels will have a tough time deciding who to root for yet again.
NEXT: Team Japan Manager Comments On Shohei Ohtani's Pitching Status
