Shohei Ohtani smashes grand slam in World Baseball Classic opener

Shohei Ohtani started the World Baseball Classic with a bang.

The Team Japan captain hit a grand slam in the second inning of Friday’s opener against Taiwan en route to a 13-0 victory.

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“I knew it was going to leave the park right after I hit it,” Ohtani told reporters after the game. “It’s important to score first.”

The superstar thanked fans after the match.

“It was a good match and we got off to a good start, so I think it was all because of your support,” he said to rising applause as he spoke Japanese. “I think the games will continue, but if the fans and the team can come together and cheer, it will encourage us. So please support us.”

Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan waves after winning the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Japan and Chinese Taipei at Tokyo Dome on March 6, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Gene Wang – Capture At Media/Getty Images)

Japan starting pitcher and Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto said he tips his cap to Ohtani after the game.

“This was our first game in the tournament and it’s always hard to score the first run,” Yamamoto said. “But Shohei hit a big home run to give us momentum. So I tip my cap to him.”

Japan is looking to defend its world championship after winning the 2023 Baseball World Classic, winning a 3-2 thriller over the United States

Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan hits a grand slam in the second inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Japan and Chinese Taipei at the Tokyo Dome on March 6, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Gene Wang – Capture At Media/Getty Images)

This year’s Team USA, led by captain Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, will try to take back the crown, starting pool play Friday night against Brazil.

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