So Ibata was left uncomfortably answering questions about why he pulled Yoshinobu Yamamto before 80 pitches, Japan’s bullpen struggles, its inability to score in 6 ⅓ innings against Venezuela’s bullpen, and how it was possible to cough up a 5-2 lead.

Shohei Ohtani felt heartbroken after watching his Japan team lose in the World Baseball Classic to Venezuela.

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani escaped the World Baseball Classic without an injury, and that's all that matters.

Venezuela reached its first WBC semis since 2009 and clinched a spot in the six-nation field for the 2028 Olympic baseball tournament.

MVP winners made for an exciting start to the quarterfinal game and combined to make WBC history in the process.

Seiya Suzuki left the game early as Team Japan was eliminated from the WBC. After the game, Shohei Ohtani wished him well.

Ronald Acuna Jr. and Venezuela advanced to the World Baseball Classic semifinals with an upset win over Shohei Ohtani and defending 2023 champions Japan 8-5 on Saturday.

Shohei Ohtani is navigating a limited schedule while with Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic.