Shohei Ohtani wasted no time asserting his dominance on the international stage, blasting a grand slam in the second inning to ignite Japan's explosive offense in a commanding 13-0 victory over Chinese Taipei on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Tokyo Dome. The defending champions opened their 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C campaign with a rout, showcasing the firepower that made them favorites to repeat as titleholders.
Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar serving as designated hitter (not pitching per team agreement), set the tone early. In the first inning, he doubled to right field off Taipei starter Hao-Chun Cheng. Then, in the second, with the bases loaded — thanks to singles by Munetaka Murakami, Shugo Maki and Sosuke Genda — Ohtani crushed a 2-1 curveball deep to right field for his grand slam. The shot gave Japan an immediate 4-0 lead and sparked a historic 10-run frame, the most runs scored in a single inning in WBC history.
