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Los Angele Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani stepped up to the plate on Saturday night against Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, but Team Japan ended up falling short of victory and could not advance to the semi-finals.
Following fellow Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s surrendering a leadoff home run in the first inning of the game, Ohtani hit a leadoff homer of his own in response, leveling the game.
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Yamamoto then allowed another run in the second inning, but Japan responded in the third with a four-run effort that gave them a three-run lead.
However, Venezuela would go on to score six unanswered runs, shutting down the Japanese lineup, including Ohtani, while delivering clutch home runs.
Mar 14, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Japan designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (16) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Venezuela in the first inning during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Japan was considering co-favorites with the United States entering the WBC, and, given their relatively weaker side of the bracket — mainly by avoiding the U.S. and the Dominican Republic — Team Samurai was expected to make the final.
Shohei Ohtani’s 2026 WBC
Through four games played, Ohtani went six for 13 with five walks, seven RBIs, and three home runs. He was locked in throughout the tournament, making hard contact regularly.
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He seems to be ready for the start of the MLB season, a year that will see him hit and pitch full-time.
Yamamoto was not as good as Ohtani, though he was quite reliable. He threw 6.2 innings, allowing four hits, four walks, and seven strikeouts. The righty was charged with two runs.
Ohtani’s Olympic plans
Now, Ohtani and Yamamoto head to Dodgers camp disappointed, needing to clear their minds and prepare for the three-peat attempt.
While that is the goal the pair will prioritize, Ohtani already has his eyes on the 2028 Olympics, for which Japan has already qualified.
“Of course, I’d love to get revenge in the next tournament, or rather, take on the challenge again. I’m not sure in what form I can participate next time. I don’t know about myself or anyone else, but I want to focus fully on the next opportunity.”
If Ohtani is able to deliver a three-peat for Los Angeles and the Dodgers, he will undoubtedly get the freedom to take part in the 2028 Olympics, which will be held in LA.
