The Tokyo Dome was already humming with anticipation long before the first pitch on March 6, 2026. Fans packed the stands, eager to witness Shohei Ohtani return to center stage for Samurai Japan’s World Baseball Classic title defense. And Ohtani, never one to disappoint his home country, seized the moment with a dazzling display of power and poise that left the crowd in awe and set the tone for a dominant 13-0 win over Chinese Taipei.
From the outset, Ohtani looked every bit the superstar. In his first at-bat, he swung at the very first pitch he saw and laced it down the right-field line for a double, clocked at a blistering 117.1 mph off the bat. The noise in the stadium was deafening, and the energy only grew as Ohtani advanced to third—though he was ultimately stranded. Still, the message was clear: Ohtani was back in Japan, and he meant business.
But it was the second inning that truly belonged to Ohtani and Samurai Japan. With the bases loaded and the score still tied, Ohtani stepped in against Chinese Taipei starter Hao-Chun Cheng. On a 2-1 curveball, Ohtani unleashed a swing that sent the ball soaring into the right-field stands for a grand slam. The Tokyo Dome erupted. Not only did the blast break the deadlock, but it also ignited a 10-run inning—the most runs ever scored in a single frame in World Baseball Classic history.
"I knew it was going to leave the park right after I hit it," Ohtani later told reporters, his trademark humility shining through. "It’s important to score first, so I really wanted to drive in at least a run." His grand slam didn’t just put Japan on the board; it put them firmly in control of the game and the tournament narrative.
Ohtani wasn’t done, either. He came up again in the same inning and delivered an RBI single, bringing his total to five RBIs in the frame—another World Baseball Classic record. "That was the inning that really decided the game," Ohtani said. "After scoring the first few runs, we kept our focus and worked some walks, so I think we managed the game well from there. Overall, I think it was a good game."
By the time the dust settled, Ohtani had gone 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, a single, and five RBIs—a triple shy of the cycle. His performance electrified the crowd and sent a clear message to the rest of the field: the defending champions are here to win, and Ohtani is leading the charge.
The atmosphere in the Tokyo Dome was nothing short of electric. Fans had arrived more than 90 minutes before first pitch just to watch Ohtani take batting practice. He didn’t disappoint then, either, launching balls off and above the right-field scoreboard for 15 minutes and drawing gasps with each swing. The ovation when he finished was only a warm-up for what was to come during the game itself.
Japan’s 13-0 win was sealed in just seven innings due to the mercy rule, a testament to the team’s overwhelming firepower and focus. The 10-run second inning not only set a tournament record but also showcased the depth and cohesion of Samurai Japan’s lineup. But there was no doubt who the star of the night was. As Ohtani rounded third after his grand slam, he and his teammates unveiled their new team celebration—a playful whisking of matcha, inspired by pitcher Koki Kitayama. It was a nod to tradition, camaraderie, and the joy of playing the game on home soil.
Ohtani explained the origins of the gesture: "Kitayama really put a lot of thought into coming up with that idea, so I’ll keep doing my best to continue making that gesture." He added, “We’re communicating more, little by little. It’s not just a performance, we’re talking things over and trying to create something good as a team. I think our communication is excellent.”
For Ohtani, this World Baseball Classic is all about hitting. Unlike the 2023 tournament—where he starred as both a pitcher and hitter—Ohtani will not take the mound this time around. The Dodgers and their reigning National League MVP agreed that he would focus solely on offense for Samurai Japan, saving his pitching arm for the upcoming MLB season. Still, his impact is undeniable. In the 2023 WBC, Ohtani hit .435 with eight RBIs and posted a 1.86 ERA in 9 2/3 innings, leading his country to the title. Now, he’s picking up right where he left off, looking every bit the MVP candidate once again.
Japan’s path forward in the tournament looks promising. With this emphatic victory, they have set the pace in Pool C. Their next challenge comes against Korea, who are also 1-0, on Saturday. After that, Samurai Japan will face Australia (2-0) on Sunday and close out pool play against Czechia (0-2) on Tuesday. Should Ohtani and the team continue this level of play, a trip to the quarterfinals in Miami—and perhaps a fourth World Baseball Classic championship—could be in the cards.
For now, though, all eyes remain on Ohtani. His blend of power, poise, and showmanship has captured the imagination of fans not just in Japan but around the world. And as the Tokyo Dome crowd made clear, there’s nothing quite like seeing a hometown hero rise to the occasion on the biggest stage. With every swing, Ohtani is writing a new chapter in his already legendary career—and Samurai Japan’s quest for another title is off to a roaring start.
As the tournament continues, Japan’s confidence is sky-high, and the rest of the baseball world is officially on notice. The defending champions have fired their opening salvo, and it came off the bat of Shohei Ohtani—a superstar who seems to shine brightest when the stakes are highest.