Heading into USA vs. Japan, it was though offense could rule the day. However, in the end, pitching was the difference.
The x-factor was, of course, Shohei Ohtani, the two-way player who transcends baseball and is now an international hero. In a 3-2 win for Japan to win gold, Ohtani struck out teammate Mike Trout to clinch the win for Samurai Japan.
It was something that would feel on the nose in a script. Just listen to the Japanese call of the finale.
大谷が！！トラウトを三振に取った！！
— とっとこファム太郎 (@phamtaro_) March 22, 2023
世界一だあああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああああ #侍ジャパン #WBC決勝 #ShoheiOhtani pic.twitter.com/YkzgWMT3yD
MORE: World Baseball Classic final score: Japan outlasts USA
Ohtani was revved up in the final inning. For the past two games, he's been Japan's leader, yelling into the dugout after hits and celebrating after big plays. When he struck out Trout to end the game, the whole team -- and broadcast -- joined him in celebrating.
The international calls for both Ohtani's strikeout and Munetaka Murakami's game-winner Monday against Mexico have been suitably enthusiastic.
The United States and Japan traded blows all night, and the tension on the final at-bat was palpable. Hearing it unleashed on that call is cathartic, as it was clear all of loanDepot Park was hanging onto every pitch down the stretch.
