Shohei Ohtani’s offensive exploits on Friday helped lead Japan to a 13-0 win over Chinese Taipei in its opening game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The reigning NL MVP continued doing what he does best — mashing baseballs — in the run-shortened win that saw the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger fall a triple short of the cycle.
With the sell-out crowd of 42,314 fans inside Tokyo Dome excitedly watching on, Ohtani delivered on the first pitch of the game by ripping a double down the right-field line.
Ohtani was ready to swing after putting on a show during batting practice. That helped his double come off the bat with a 117.1 mph exit velocity.
Japan was held scoreless in the first inning, which led to an offensive eruption in the second inning.
After a pair of singles and a hit-by-pitch, Japan had the bases loaded for Ohtani in his second at-bat. On a 2-1 pitch, Ohtani sent one 368 feet off Chinese Taipei pitcher Hao-Chun Cheng, who hung a curveball.
Japan would add five more runs in the inning before Ohtani would bat again. This time facing pitcher Chih-Wei Hu, Ohtani delivered a run-scoring single to bring the lead up to 10-0.
Not even through a full two innings and Ohtani had five RBI and was a hit away from the cycle.
The 10-run second inning by Japan set a WBC record for most runs in a single inning. The previous record was held by the U.S. (2023) and Cuba (2009). Ohtani’s five RBI in the second inning was also a record in a single inning.
Japan would increase its lead to 13-0 by the end of the third inning, but that would be all the damage Ohtani would do on the day. In his fourth and final at-bat he lined out to first base. Teruaki Sato would pinch-hit for him in the top of the seventh and the game was ended due to the mercy rule.
Japan will next play Saturday at 5 a.m. ET (FS1) against Korea, while Chinese Taipei hits the field Friday at 10 p.m. ET (FS2) against Czechia.
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