Shohei Ohtani Reveals He'll Be Ready To Pitch In WBC Championship Game, Will Prioritize Batting
The championship match for the World Baseball Classic is finally set and it will feature none other than the two biggest stars on your Los Angeles Angels. Shohei Ohtani and Japan will face Mike Trout's USA squad following their victory Monday night over Team Mexico.
One of the biggest questions surrounding this championship matchup that many fans had been hoping is: Will Ohtani take the pitching mound against the U.S. in the biggest game of his career thus far?
We had just received reports that it would be very unlikely for the 28-year-old to pitch in this match due to overload on his body but that he would serve as relief if it's necessary. Everybody wants to see Trout step up to the plate against his superstar teammate and have been hoping for a change in Japan's plans.
However, following Japan's win over Mexico that saw Ohtani connect on a huge double that led to a string of key hits, he joined Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal along with a translator and shared his plans for the big game on Tuesday.
"Shohei Ohtani to Ken Rosenthal on FOX: "I'll definitely be prepared to pitch (tomorrow)." It'd be in relief presumably, if it does happen."
(Per Sam Blum)
Ohtani would then continue by stating that he will prioritize getting hits and looks to put some runs on the board very early in the game.
No matter what happens, one of the Angels' superstars will be crowned as champions and it is bound to be quite the battle. Both the U.S. and Japan have been on intense runs throughout this tournament and millions will be tuning in to see the outcome.
We wishing nothing but luck to both of our guys !
