Shohei Ohtani delivered a grand slam that propelled Japan to a dominant 13-0 victory over Chinese Taipei in the opening game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to SB Nation. His performance included five RBIs in a single inning, setting a WBC record and drawing widespread attention on social media as reported by the Japan Times.
Ohtani's grand slam served as a crucial factor in Japan's strong start in Pool C, where the team has maintained an undefeated record following a series of key home runs from players like Seiya Suzuki and Masataka Yoshida, Fox Sports details. This offensive firepower has helped Japan secure their spot in the quarterfinals after a close win against Australia, despite Ohtani going hitless in that particular match.
The Guardian highlights that Ohtani’s opening game power display was not only a personal milestone but also a significant morale booster for Team Samurai Japan as they aim for World Baseball Classic glory. TMZ notes that the grand slam was witnessed by notable celebrities such as Timothée Chalamet and Bad Bunny, underscoring the global appeal of the tournament and Ohtani’s star power.
Japan’s continued success in Pool C, bolstered by Ohtani’s contributions, sets the stage for highly awaited quarterfinal matchups. Fans and analysts will be closely watching if Ohtani can sustain this level of performance against tougher competition in the knockout rounds later this month.
Shohei Ohtani
Japan
World Baseball Classic
Tokyo Dome
Masataka Yoshida
Taiwan
