The 2023 World Baseball Classic had some of the most exciting games to watch. It was electric and the atmosphere was incredible. The tournament was held from March 8th through 21st in four different cities. This included Tokyo, Taichung, Miami, and Phoenix. 20 teams from all over the world competed, but Team USA and Japan were the last two standing. Team USA had rolled through their pool, only losing once to Mexico. They pushed past Great Britain, Canada, Columbia, Venezuela, and Cuba before meeting Japan in the championship game. Team Japan didn’t lose a single game in the tournament and demolished every team in their pool. 

In a thrilling game, Japan took down defending champs Team USA 3-2 to win the World Baseball Classic Championship. Led by powerhouse pitcher and MVP, Shohei Ohtani, Japan claimed their third title. This game came down to an epic at-bat between two of baseball’s greatest: Shohei Ohtani pitching and Mike Trout hitting. Typically they aren’t up against one another, as both play for Los Angeles Angels in the MLB (Major League Baseball). In the top of the ninth, Japan had a 3-2 lead. Ohtani came out to close the game, and he did just that. After two quick outs, Trout came up to the plate. He had a quality at-bat, getting to a full 3-2 count. Then, Shohei struck and Trout swung right through the pitch. On that pitch, Team Japan became winners. 

Many fans enjoyed the tournament, saying it’s more entertaining when you can see how energized the players are to represent their home countries. The next World Baseball Classic is scheduled for 2026, and more MLB players are expressing interest in playing. It’s awesome to see this tournament grow and players from countries all over getting recognition. Unfortunately, Team USA couldn’t pull away with the championship this year, but I’m excited to see how things play out in 2026!