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The two-way superstar’s once-in-a-century skillset led Japan to a World Baseball Classic title while helping vault the tournament to newfound levels of popularity

MIAMI -- Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani was the starting pitcher against China, Japan's first opponent in this year's World Baseball Classic. He was also the designated hitter, batting third in the lineup, during the game at Tokyo Dome on March 9.

Seriously. He deserves it after what we've seen in the WBC.

PEORIA, Ariz. — As large raindrops fell somewhere between a downpour and deluge, soaking the Phoenix valley, the early morning blackness somehow seemed darker in contrast to the handful of streetlights in the largely empty parking lot of the Mariners' spring training complex.

Japanese television stuck to its live coverage from Miami for almost two hours after Japan beat the United States 3-2 to win the World Baseball Classic

Japan were named the world champions of baseball after edging the USA in an enthralling World Baseball Classic in Miami.

MIAMI: Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout in a showdown between two of the game’s best players to seal Japan’s 3-2 victory over the United States in a riveting World Baseball Classic (WBC) final on Tuesday.

A full-strength roster, rabid support from fans, and players who were willing to push their bodies to the limit combined for a deserving WBC champion.

Shohei Ohtani fanned LA Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out in a matchup the baseball world wanted to see, leading Japan over the defending champion U.S. for the World Baseball Classic title.

It's Japan's third W.B.C. title.

For the third time in the event’s history, Japan goes home with the trophy.