Japan manager makes unexpected decision hours after WBC loss to Venezuela

Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata makes an unexpected announcement hours after loss to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.

MLB star Ronald Acuña Jr. trolls Japan after historic WBC upset

The 2026 World Baseball Classic has seen favorites Japan eliminated and MLB star Ronald Acuña Jr. had a lot to say after Venezuela's win. Acuña Jr. and his Venezuela are on track for a historic finish at this year's WBC after never placing top four in the previous five editions.

Japan's World Baseball Classic once again ended with Ohtani. This time, with a loss

Ohtani hit a first-inning home run but also struck out twice and had the game-ending flyout in Japan's quarterfinal loss to Venezuela.

Shohei Ohtani sounds off after Japan's WBC loss to Venezuela

Shohei Ohtani sounded off after Japan’s loss to Venezuela, which officially eliminated them from the World Baseball Classic.

Venezuela knocks out defending WBC champ Japan with a mighty blow

In a tournament that has had no shortage of dynamic moments, jaw-dropping home runs and epic comebacks, Saturday’s quarterfinal between Venezuela and Japan might have topped it all. Venezuela upset Japan 8-5, knocking out the defending champions to advance to the World Baseball Classic semifinals for the first time since 2009.

Samurai Japan’s identity crisis led to WBC disaster

Whatever the case, Samurai Japan has a major decision to make between now and then: It has to figure out what it wants to be. Because the Japanese received a definitive verdict on the state of their game in their 8–5 loss to Venezuela in the quarterfinals of the WBC. What they’re doing isn’t working.

Cubs' Seiya Suzuki (knee) exits Japan's WBC quarterfinal

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki exited Japan's World Baseball Classic quarterfinal matchup against Venezuela because of right knee discomfort.