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Shohei Ohtani kicked off the World Baseball Classic with a bang.
The Japanese team captain hit a grand slam in the second inning of Friday’s opening match against Taiwan en route to a resounding 13-0 victory.
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“I knew he was going to leave the park immediately after I hit it,” Ohtani told reporters after the game. “It’s important to score first.”
Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan hits a grand slam in the second inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Japan and Chinese Taipei at Tokyo Dome on March 6, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Gene Wang – Captured by Media/Getty Images)
The superstar thanked the fans after the match.
“It was a good match and we got off to a good start, so I think it’s thanks to your support,” he said to growing applause while speaking in Japanese. “I think the fighting will continue, but if the fans and the team can come together and cheer, it will encourage us. So please support us.”
Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan waves after winning the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Japan and China Taipei at Tokyo Dome on March 6, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan. (Gene Wang – Captured by Media/Getty Images)
Japan’s starting pitcher and Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers teammate, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, said he tipped his cap to Ohtani after the game.
“It was our first match of the tournament and scoring the first point is always difficult,” Yamamoto said. “But Shohei hit a huge home run to give us the momentum. So I take my hat off to him.”
Japan looks to defend its world championship after winning the 2023 World Baseball Classic, winning a 3-2 thriller against the United States.
Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan hits a grand slam in the second inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Japan and Chinese Taipei at Tokyo Dome on March 6, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan. (Gene Wang – Captured by Media/Getty Images)
This year’s U.S. team, led by New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, will attempt to retake the crown and begins pool play Friday night against Brazil.
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