WBC

A tournament this good can end only one way: With Ohtani coming out of the bullpen to face Trout in the ninth.

But the [Red Sox](https://theathletic.com/mlb/team/redsox/)’s [Masataka Yoshida](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/masataka-yoshida-a5LqurG3A1U5h6BL/), 9-for-19 with 13 RBIs in the tournament, ended the drought in a left-left matchup against the Cardinals’ [JoJo Romero](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/jojo-romero-mtCPTHPOzEeOl5np/) with two outs in the seventh, tying the score with a towering three-run shot inside the right-field foul pole. [Brewers’](https://theathletic.com/mlb/team/brewers/) [Luis Urías](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/luis-urias-ggLIDidJHR1L4LXl/) off the precocious Roki Sasaki with two outs in the fourth. But Ohtani, 9-for-20 with five extra-base hits in the tournament, clearly is caught up in Team Japan’s 6-0 run, oozing with confidence and charisma as his country attempts to win its third WBC title. Japan pulled within one run in the bottom half. [Angels](https://theathletic.com/mlb/team/angels/) will not attempt to influence Ohtani. “Obviously we couldn’t lose and I wanted to get the guys rallied up in the dugout.” I was glad I was able to pull the ball, rather than hit it toward him.” The Angels, who have had five straight losing seasons with Ohtani and seven straight overall, can interpret that however they’d like. And now, after displaying more emotion than he ever has, at least on this continent, he’s not going to pitch in the [World Baseball Classic](https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/world-baseball-classic-live-scores-usa-cuba-mexico-japan/DGVKTn1hg9Pn/) final against Team USA? Ohtani, serving as the designated hitter, said he took an at-bat, went into a bullpen “in the back” to warm up, took another at-bat and came into the game. He last recalled doing that in 2016, in the game that launched his Japanese team, the Nippon-Ham Fighters, into the Japan Series. The game was another WBC classic, the fourth unforgettable contest at loanDepot Park in a span of seven days.

While Japan looks to become the WBC's first three-time winner, Team USA might need a clutch performance from its unheralded pitching staff to repeat as ...

[Adam Wainwright](https://www.foxsports.com/world-baseball-classic/adam-wainwright-player) and [Miles Mikolas](https://www.foxsports.com/world-baseball-classic/miles-mikolas-player), who combined to allow two runs over eight innings in USA’s 14-2 semifinal win Sunday against [Cuba](https://www.foxsports.com/world-baseball-classic/cuba-team), DeRosa won’t have to do that again before Tuesday’s finale. - World Baseball Classic 2023 odds: How to bet Japan vs. Japan hadn’t been tested until Mexico pushed it to the brink, and then it demonstrated its mettle. [Trea Turner](https://www.foxsports.com/world-baseball-classic/trea-turner-player), the No. Gradually, though, the tournament is becoming more of a worldwide phenomenon. Still, even the most formidable pitching staff would have its hands full against Japan, which has plated six runs or more in every game of the tournament. A litany of high-leverage weapons should be well-rested and available behind Kelly, including MLB All-Stars [Devin Williams](https://www.foxsports.com/world-baseball-classic/devin-williams-player), [Ryan Pressly](https://www.foxsports.com/world-baseball-classic/ryan-pressly-player) and [David Bednar](https://www.foxsports.com/world-baseball-classic/david-bednar-player). [World Baseball Classic](https://www.foxsports.com/world-baseball-classic) is set for a dazzling finale Tuesday night in Miami ( [7 p.m. The WBC presents distinctive challenges to managers who must balance both tournament limits and major-league front-office requests in handling pitcher workloads. After using seven pitchers in that quarterfinal win, DeRosa told reporters he stayed up until the early morning hours before Sunday’s semifinal trying to plan out the pitching possibilities. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster in run prevention for Team USA, which allowed 11 runs to The Americans' 49 runs in the tournament are the sixth-most ever scored in a single WBC, and the lineup is finding its groove at the right time, [scoring 23 runs in the quarterfinals and semifinals](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/trea-turner-usa-do-it-again-knock-out-cuba-to-advance-to-wbc-final).

Team USA, which prevailed in the most recent World Baseball Classic in 2017, is one win away from repeating as champions.

Japan also has Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has a 1.95 career ERA over 733 in the Nippon League. He does have plenty of playoff experience in the majors, playing in 11 games (all starts). USA on Tuesday will face a tradition-rich baseball program. "I will be prepared to pitch," Ohtani said after Monday's game. The Americans could be without star third baseman Nolan Arenado, who was hit by a pitch on Sunday. The Americans, who will play Japan for the title on Tuesday night at LoanDepot Park, are clearly excited to go for the gold. You can barely hear yourself talk in the dugout. You can barely hear yourself think on the mound. Darvish, 36, is 95-75 with a 3.50 ERA. "That stuff (records) is for my family. "We're in spring-training mode, but we're also playing for our country," USA pitcher Adam Wainwright said. "I just want to win," said Turner, who is the first WBC player ever to have four-plus RBI in consecutive games.

The 2023 World Baseball Classic has come down to two teams and quite frankly fans couldn't have asked for a better matchup. It's the USA vs Japan!

Then, the new Phillies shortstop followed that up with two home runs on Sunday against Cuba, to set a WBC record of two consecutive games with four RBIs. [Yu Darvish](https://www.mlb.com/player/yu-darvish-506433) might get the start. “You obviously come for the experience and you come to play with this team. With the WBC final now set to be played between the Team USA and Team Japan, it goes without saying that fans are in for a treat. As is the case with Team USA, we’re not expecting any significant changes. “[I’m] proud to be wearing Japan across my chest, proud to be playing against the U.S., and I think it’s good for baseball,” Japan’s outfielder But, some changes have been made in the lineup: Yet, following the semifinal win on Sunday, manager But you don’t come here just for that - you come to win.” is going to be in the finals. Japan on the other hand, will be hoping to pick up their third title in WBC history. Needless to say, this clash is as big as it gets.

Left-hander Shota Imanaga joined his Japan teammates in celebrating a thrilling World Baseball Classic semifinal victory over Mexico on March 21, ...

Six days later, he worked a scoreless inning against Italy in the quarterfinals. My team has so many great pitchers, so I'll pitch with the help of everyone." lineup, Imanaga said, "I'll see what kind of pitch might work against each hitter.

Shohei and Team Japan face Trout and Team USA in the WBC Final. Is this heaven? Mary DeCicco / WBCI / MLB Photos via Getty Images. facebook ...

Plenty of MLB players have been injured the past couple weeks during the WBC, and they [suited up for their pro ball club](https://www.mlb.com/news/baseball-injury-updates), not their home country. This is the final matchup that everyone wanted, and the wealth of talent on both rosters — including two of the greatest players of all time in Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout — makes it all the more special. Frankly, as the region where the game was invented and developed, the United States (and Canada, which has a richer baseball But slowly, baseball fans in the Unites States — and the country’s best players, too — took a bite of what the sport’s global enthusiasts have been savoring for much longer. In the very beginning, the WBC wasn’t supposed to be this good — not to Americans, at least. Two batters later, Munetaka Murakami, a Japanese Triple Crown winner, submitted his own scorcher to the center field wall, and Team Japan was in the World Baseball Classic final, where they will face

The pitching matchup for the championship game was supposed to feature Merrill Kelly of Team USA against San Diego Padres star Yu Darvish of Japan. Surprise, ...

Team USA’s offense is explosive, as it has shown that time and time again in the tournament. However, the Samurai’s lineup is also excellent and America’s pitching is good enough to give its offense a fair shot. They have Ohtani and his 1.421 OPS, they have Monday night’s hero Munetaka Murakami and his 56 homers last year in the NPB, they have the consistently great Kensuke Kondo (hitting .391 in the Classic), they have Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (.474/.571/.842 with 13 RBI and a 1.413 OPS) and St. Japan, on the other hand, has a tournament-leading 2.33 ERA, a 0.78 WHIP and a 7/72 BB/K ratio. The right-hander’s 3.60 career ERA in MLB certifies him as a more than qualified option to take the hill, and he had an even better 3.10 ERA in 2022. Even [Shohei Ohtani](https://theanalyst.com/na/2023/03/who-are-the-favorites-to-win-mvp-of-the-world-baseball-classic/) could make a relief appearance if needed. Lance Lynn, who exceeded the 50-pitch limit in his outing against Venezuela, is probably unavailable as well. He earned a shot with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019 and hasn’t looked back. USA is taking a 4.33 ERA to the final game, which is acceptable but far from elite. Japan will send left-hander Shota Imanaga (one run conceded in four WBC innings this year) to the mound for the winner-takes-all affair. On Monday, the Japanese rallied in the bottom of the ninth to stun Mexico 6-5 and punch their ticket to Tuesday’s championship. The tournament has been, without a doubt, a resounding success.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, with Mexico back in front 5-4, Tokyo Yakult Swallows infielder Munetaka Murakami stepped to the plate. With runners on first ...

In the bottom of the ninth inning, with Mexico back in front 5-4, Tokyo Yakult Swallows infielder Munetaka Murakami stepped to the plate. Best of all, some hero even translated it for us (though ultimately it's exactly the sort of mid-walk-off gibberish you would expect). On Monday, Japan and Mexico played nine innings for the ages in the suddenly Hot, Hot, Hot World Baseball Classic.

The World Baseball Classic will reach its conclusion when Team USA takes on Japan in what should be an epic championship game to decide who takes home the ...

However, the semifinal was far more challenging for Japan. The game begins at 7 p.m. The Philadelphia Phillies shortstop was the calmest man in the stadium and crushed a huge bomb to left-field to give Team USA the lead, with what he described as the “ The team came up against a strong Mexico squad, which had already beaten Team USA in the groups, and Japan was down 5-4 heading into the ninth. Team USA and Team Japan will face each other in the championship game at loanDepot Park in Miami. [World Baseball Classic](https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/14/sport/great-britain-world-baseball-classic-spt-intl/index.html) will reach its conclusion when [Team USA](https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/20/sport/usa-world-baseball-classic-semifinal-win-protestors-spt-intl/index.html) takes on Japan in what should be an epic championship game to decide who takes home the [WBC](https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/21/sport/cuban-catcher-defects-world-baseball-classic-spt-intl/index.html) crown.

Yu Darvish seemed poised to start the World Baseball Classic final for Japan, but manager Hideki Kuriyama surprised many Monday night by announcing Shota ...

Japanese starter Hisahi Iwakuma made his MLB debut at age 31 while Korean reliever Seung-Hwan Oh debuted in America at age 33. So far, Imanaga has only thrown four innings in this World Baseball Classic, allowing one earned run on three hits across two relief appearances. He has a career 3.08 ERA across seven professional seasons, including a brief stint in Australia. [How much do the World Baseball Classic winners make in 2023?](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/world-baseball-classic-prize-money-breakdown-2023/aezdghsmn15b7j0rma9kpf1b) [prized young phenom like teammate Roki Sasaki](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/roki-sasaki-posting-mlb-japan-timeline/ljewldo00sktps0q22iuaslh), but there have been a handful of Japanese pitchers who have jumped to MLB in the middle of their careers. MORE: Imanaga has finished with a sub-three ERA in five of his seven professional seasons, with one of the exceptions being the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. [When and where will the next World Baseball Classic be played?](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/world-baseball-classic-when-where-played-next-wbc/bbhsqxc3ha9wbyz6on8tqoxm) Imanaga went 12-4 with a 2.04 ERA across 158.2 innings for Yokohama in 2022, striking out 132 batters and registering a 0.94 WHIP. The 29-year-old pitched a no-hitter in 2022, the highlight of a career-best season. Imanaga is a left-handed pitcher entering his eighth season with the Yokohama BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. Major-league hitters in Team USA's lineup are familiar with Darvish and Shohei Ohtani, who could also make an appearance out of the bullpen, but Imanaga has never pitched in the majors is more of an unknown commodity.

USA and Japan will face off tonight for the WBC Final. Both teams have won the championship in the past, but the U.S. hopes to go back-to-back.

[Yu Darvish](https://www.mlb.com/player/yu-darvish-506433) gets the start for Japan. However, it may be hard for him to get going in the bullpen when he is also a designated hitter. He set a WBC record with two straight games of four RBIs. Japan is currently the only multi-time champion in WBC history, but that could change with a USA victory. [Trea Turner](https://www.mlb.com/player/trea-turner-607208) is on a tear coming into the championship game. The USA takes on Japan tonight in a battle for the World Baseball Classic Final. [Merrill Kelly](https://www.mlb.com/player/merrill-kelly-518876) who plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks will get the start for the USA squad. [Mike Trout](https://www.mlb.com/player/mike-trout-545361), [Mookie Betts](https://www.mlb.com/player/mookie-betts-605141), and [Paul Goldschmidt, ](https://www.mlb.com/player/paul-goldschmidt-502671)who all have contributed tremendously at the right time. [Mark Derosa](https://www.mlb.com/player/mark-derosa-136660), the team hopes to make history. [Shohei Ohtani](https://www.mlb.com/player/shohei-ohtani-660271), secured a leadoff double in the ninth inning, which set up a fortunate chain of events for Japan. [Giovanny Gallegos](https://www.mlb.com/player/giovanny-gallegos-606149) then gave up a walk and a crucial walk-off double to Japan third baseman [ Munetaka Murakami](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=muraka000mun). [Adam Wainwright](https://www.mlb.com/player/adam-wainwright-425794) was able to reel himself in.

Japan and the United States each face their toughest test of the tournament. This is a heavyweight bout. Here's the tale of the tape.

[Cedric Mullins](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/cedric-mullins-57lkF6dWD0igrGmG/), off the bench, hit a homer. And if Japan and the U.S. remain tight in the ninth inning, well, Ohtani is available in relief. [Masataka Yoshida](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/masataka-yoshida-a5LqurG3A1U5h6BL/) until Yoshida rainbowed a three-run homer Monday against Mexico. One of the best games of the tournament. [Trea Turner](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/trea-turner-7IOicEqFc3nRA8dm/) happened. Those two homers, by the way, came in the clutch. Still, with a stocked pen and those two long relief options, DeRosa will have the luxury of a quick hook. The [Phillies](https://theathletic.com/mlb/team/phillies/) shortstop smacked a go-ahead grand slam Saturday in a quarterfinal win over Venezuela, then sent two more homers sailing Sunday in a semifinal blowout of Cuba. Odds were always in favor of Kelly, the Diamondbacks’ veteran right-hander who pitched Team USA’s last game in pool play and who is the best of the remaining starters. [Mookie Betts](https://theathletic.com/mlb/player/mookie-betts-40qIanIFo3PVjfGr/) collected three hits with a double. The United States is the reigning champion, having claimed the title in 2017.

The WBC title game is set for Tuesday night in Miami.

[Trea Turner](/mlb/players/2135249/trea-turner/) merits your attention on the U.S. For the 2023 tournament, Turner, who inked a big contract with the [Phillies](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/PHI/philadelphia-phillies/) this offseason, is slashing .368/.429/1.000 with four home runs. Ohtani is also worth watching because [there's a chance that he'll pitch in relief](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/usa-vs-japan-will-shohei-ohtani-pitch-against-u-s-in-wbc-final-superstar-prepared-for-relief-appearance/) and maybe even face [Angels](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/LAA/los-angeles-angels/) teammate [Mike Trout](/mlb/players/1739608/mike-trout/). Team USA may have a slight edge thanks all their right-handed bats of All-Star caliber that will seize the platoon advantage against Imanaga. It speaks to the strength of the U.S. The star shortstop notched a script-flipping grand slam in the quarterfinals, and he had a two-homer game in the USA romp over Cuba in the semis. Japan mounted a thrilling comeback win over Mexico on Monday night in their semifinal matchup to stay unbeaten in the tournament. He's Japan's most accomplished hitter, and his power will probably be needed in this one if Japan is to prevail. LHP Shōta Imanaga (Japan) Japan, which won the first two World Baseball Classics, is attempting to lift the trophy for the third time. The United States, which won the last WBC in 2017, is attempting to defends its title. Now let's move on to how you can watch USA-Japan.

The defending champion U.S. squad takes on two-time champion Japan in Miami for the 2023 title. Check here for the latest updates.

“I was going sinker-in for a swing. The outlet said the Cuban team was scheduled to depart Miami International Airport Monday following the team's loss at loanDepot Park Sunday night, but before the flight took off, Gonzalez wasn't on the plane and stayed in Miami. “I feel terrible,’’ Bard told USA TODAY Sports in the dugout before Sunday’s game against Cuba. He hoped it would be nothing more than a sprained or badly bruised thumb, but Altuve was diagnosed Sunday morning with a broken thumb. Starter Adam Wainwright struggled in the opening inning, but St. But that's the way this lineup's built.’’ [woke up Sunday feeling awful](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2023/03/19/jose-altuve-injury-has-daniel-bard-feeling-remorse/11506005002/). Realmuto starting behind the plate, Kyle Schwarber at designated hitter and Cedric Mullins in left field. and surprise starter Shota Imanaga gets the ball for Japan. [then turned the postgame into a comedy club routine](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2023/03/20/team-usa-bats-come-alive-reach-world-baseball-classic-final/11507354002/). [go-ahead grand slam](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2023/03/19/trea-turner-wbc-grand-slam-causes-team-usa-black-out/11503300002/) in the quarterfinal against Venezuela and another in the group stage against Canada. And now there's only one game left.

Weeks of exciting international baseball has all come down to this: USA vs. Japan. Shohei Ohtani vs. Mike Trout. The final game of the 2023 World Baseball ...

[Road to the final](/mlb/story/_/id/35906249/wbc-2023-world-baseball-classic-final-team-usa-japan) [World Baseball Classic](/world-baseball-classic/) is here, and the tournament's two most dominant teams will be squaring off tonight in what should be an electrifying showdown. Which team will be victorious when the two meet at Miami's LoanDepot Park?

A historic matchup between baseball giants and the skyrocketing popularity of the World Baseball Classic point to a potential record-setting viewership on.

Viewers can also stream the title game on [FoxSports.com](https://www.foxsports.com/live) and the [FOX Sports app](https://www.foxsports.com/mobile). An average of 54.86 viewers tuned in to watch the [Philadelphia Phillies](https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies?chrcontext=WBTS) beat the Kansas City Royal for the franchise’s first World Series win. ET](https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/sports/how-to-watch-team-usa-in-2023-world-baseball-classic-title-game/4164523/#:~:text=The%202023%20World%20Baseball%20Classic%20title%20game%20will%20also%20be,and%20the%20FOX%20Sports%20app.). Japan singlehandedly dusted the World Series record before the elimination round even began. Just in Japan alone -- a country of 125 million -- 62 million viewers tuned in to watch Japan beat rival South Korea in a pool play game. After winning the first two Classics back in 2006 and 2009, Japan entered this year’s tournament on a mission, going undefeated and outscoring its opponents 38-8 in pool play.

It's Team USA vs. Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship game Tuesday night. Team USA, which won the 2017 tournament, is attempting to ...

[Trea Turner](/mlb/players/2135249/trea-turner/) merits your attention on the U.S. For the 2023 tournament, Turner, who inked a big contract with the [Phillies](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/PHI/philadelphia-phillies/) this offseason, is slashing .368/.429/1.000 with four home runs. Team USA may have a slight edge thanks all their right-handed bats of All-Star caliber that will seize the platoon advantage against Imanaga. Ohtani is also worth watching because [there's a chance that he'll pitch in relief](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/usa-vs-japan-will-shohei-ohtani-pitch-against-u-s-in-wbc-final-superstar-prepared-for-relief-appearance/) and maybe even face [Angels](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/LAA/los-angeles-angels/) teammate [Mike Trout](/mlb/players/1739608/mike-trout/). It speaks to the strength of the U.S. The star shortstop notched a script-flipping grand slam in the quarterfinals, and he had a two-homer game in the USA romp over Cuba in the semis. Japan mounted a thrilling comeback win over Mexico on Monday night in their semifinal matchup to stay unbeaten in the tournament. He's Japan's most accomplished hitter, and his power will probably be needed in this one if Japan is to prevail. LHP Shōta Imanaga (Japan) Japan, which won the first two World Baseball Classics, is attempting to lift the trophy for the third time. The United States, which won the last WBC in 2017, is attempting to defends its title. Now let's move on to how you can watch USA-Japan.