WATCH: Shohei Ohtani Strikes Out Mike Trout to Win World Baseball Classic

Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani struck out teammate Mike Trout to record the final out of the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship game, as Team Japan defeated Team USA 3-2 to win its first WBC since 2009, and its third title since the World Baseball Classic was created in 2006.

The 2023 World Baseball Classic came down to a battle of Los Angeles Angels teammates.

With two outs in the top of the ninth inning and Japan leading Team USA 3-2, Mike Trout stepped into the batter's box for a showdown to be remembered.

Angels designated hitter and ace Shohei Ohtani struck out Trout on a full-count, with a nasty slider, to deliver Japan its third World Baseball Classic title.

THE FINAL OUT.

What a moment for Shohei Ohtani and Team Japan 🇯🇵🏆 pic.twitter.com/8DdTDhkryk

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 22, 2023

Japan finished the World Baseball Classic unbeaten, a perfect 7-0, while handing Team USA its second loss of the tournament. Team USA finished the WBC with a 5-2 record: good, but not good enough.

Team Japan won the first two World Baseball Classic events ever, in 2006 and 2009. It had not won since 2009, however. Japan placed third in the last two WBC tournaments.

Team USA was coming off winning its first ever World Baseball Classic in 2017. A dream team of stars came up short of meeting its goal. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said he called legendary coach Mike Kryzewski before the tournament in search of advice. It appears Team USA will look for a 'Redeem Team' of its own in the next World Baseball Classic, occurring in 2026. Mike Trout has already verbally committed for the 2026 WBC.

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