(Miami) Shohei Ohtani came out of the bullpen and knocked out Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout to win the World Baseball Classic final against the United States 3-2 on Tuesday night.
This is the first World Classic title for the Japanese.
Ohtani, who captivated fans on two continents, hit a single in the seventh inning as the designated hitter, then walked along the left-field line to the Japan bullpen to warm up before going up on the mound.
He walked Jeff McNeil before making Mookie Betts hit a double play.
Trout, the U.S. captain and three-time MVP, then ended the game by being struck out.
Ohtani hit .435 with one home run, four doubles, eight RBIs and 10 walks in the competition as Japan joined the 2013 Dominican Republic to become the only undefeated World Baseball Classic champions.