His unique hitter/pitcher profile proposed Shohei Ohtani as the great figure of this 2023 World Baseball Classic and, of course, the predictions came true. The star won the MVP of the tournament after the crowning of Japan.
The Asian giant defeated the defending champion USA 3-2 in the Grand Final, in an electrifying game closed by the star of the Los Angeles Angels.
With a groundout into a double play by Mookie Betts and a strikeout to Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani earned his first career save and gave Japan its third gold medal.
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Ohtani ended up as líder Japan hit an astronomical .435 average with one home run, four doubles and eight RBIs. His OPS was 1.345.
In the pitching category, exploiting that quality that makes him unique, he finished with a minuscule ERA of 1.86 in three appearances, two as a starter. He leaves with a 2-0 record and a save, that of the Grand Final.
It could not be otherwise. Othani is simply the best thing in baseball right now.