Shohei Ohtani hits grand slam as Japan thrash Taiwan in WBC opener
Shohei Ohtani struck a dramatic grand slam as defending champions Japan opened their World Baseball Classic campaign with a crushing 13-0 victory over Taiwan.
Ohtani lights up the Tokyo Dome
The two-way superstar delighted a sell-out home crowd on Friday, driving in five runs during a dominant performance in Pool C.
Japan exploded for 10 runs in the second inning alone, effectively ending the contest before it had truly begun.
After doubling on the very first pitch of the game, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter returned to the plate later in the second frame with the bases loaded.
He launched a drive off starter Hao-Chun Cheng deep into the right-field stands to make it 4-0.
The inning lasted 28 minutes as the hosts batted around the order.
Ohtani eventually secured his third hit of the game later in the same frame, capping a devastating offensive display.
The 30-year-old nearly hit for the cycle but lined out on a leaping catch by first baseman Nien-Ting Wu in the fourth inning.
Mercy rule invoked early
The match was called after seven innings under the tournament’s mercy rule.
Regulations state a game concludes after seven innings if one team holds a lead of 10 runs or more.
Japan added three further runs in the third inning to push the scoreline to 13-0.
While the offence grabbed the headlines, starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was efficient on the mound.
Last season’s World Series MVP struck out three batters and allowed no hits, though he walked two in the third inning before being relieved by Shoma Fujihira.
Japan, the heavy favourites to reach the final in Miami, will next face rivals South Korea on Saturday.
Australia maintain perfect start
Elsewhere in Pool C, Australia improved their record to 2-0 with a 5-1 victory over Czechia.
Chicago White Sox infielder Curtis Mead provided the decisive moment with a three-run homer in the third inning.
The Czechs had taken an early lead via a sacrifice fly from Vojtech Mensik but could not contain the Australian batting lineup.
Pitcher Josh Hendrickson earned the win for Australia, who reached the quarter-finals of the previous tournament three years ago.