Ohtani Blasts Leadoff Homer in Japan's WBC Quarterfinal Exit

Shohei Ohtani delivered a 427-foot leadoff home run in Japan's 8-5 World Baseball Classic quarterfinal loss to Venezuela. Despite his heroics, Japan failed to reach the semifinals for the first time in tournament history. Ohtani concluded the WBC with a .500/.647/1.333 slash line, three homers, and seven RBI. He struck out twice in the defeat, marking his only strikeouts across five games. Ohtani also drew an intentional walk in the third inning as Japan's title defense ended.