The World Baseball Classic is a series of games played every four years, where players from around the world unite with teammates to represent their home country in one of the biggest watched tournaments. This year’s game was held at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.

The United States Baseball Team recently played in the 2023 World Baseball Classic in a close 3-2 loss to Japan. The team was led by the outstanding performance of Los Angeles Dodgers’ shortstop Trea Turner, who tallied a total of five home runs throughout the series including a grand slam as well as a home run in the championship game that gave the USA a temporary lead.

The blast was not enough, however, for the USA was unable to maintain the lead and gave up three runs to Japan, who was led by the arguable face of the MLB Shohei Ohtani; a 28-year-old two-way player who has shocked the world in recent years with his outstanding pitching and hitting performances.

Ohtani has received multiple awards during his time in the MLB, gaining the hardware of American League (AL) Rookie of the Year in 2018 and AL MVP in 2021.

Ohtani closed out the 2023 WBC game, striking out Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout in a 3-2 count in the bottom of the ninth; also giving him the title of WBC MVP.

The 2023 WBC series was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as it was set back an extra two years. This will also affect the next series that will be held in 2026, making it the first since 2006 to have games played within 3 years of each other. Where the games will be hosted is still yet to be announced, but the world is itching to see another Trout versus Ohtani matchup in one of, if not the biggest baseball stages in the world.