The fifth edition of the World Baseball Classic ended with Japan securing its third Classic title with a 3-2 victory over Team USA in the championship game. However, the 2023 Classic left us with some memorable moments. Below are the top 5 highlights from a tournament that provided excitement from beginning to end.

Showdown for Former Angels

The 2023 World Baseball Classic featured an epic final showdown between former Angel teammates, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, this time representing their nations. In the ninth inning of the title game, Ohtani was tasked with protecting Japan’s 3-2 lead against Team USA. In a memorable moment, Ohtani struck out Trout with a remarkable 3-2 sweeper pitch, securing Japan’s undefeated path to the championship. Japan were heavy Betway favourites going into the tournament. Ohtani’s stellar display earned him the World Baseball Classic MVP title in Japan’s victorious campaign. 

Murakami Sending Mexico to the Cleaners

The nail-biting clash between Japan and Mexico was full of action. In the bottom of the ninth inning, and trailing 5-4 then, Japan saw Munetaka Murakami smash a Giovanny Gallegos fastball off the left-center field wall. The hit allowed Shohei Ohtani to score from second to tie the game, while Ukyo Shuto’s exceptional baserunning allowed him to score from first base well ahead of the throw. Murakami’s double ended Mexico’s WBC journey, sending Japan to the finals against the U.S.

Turner Breaks Venezuela

Venezuela, unbeaten in pool play, faced Team USA in the quarterfinals. They held a 7-5 lead in the eighth inning, looking to upset the defending champions. However, USA’s shortstop Trea Turner had other plans. He hit a crucial go-ahead grand slam off Venezuela’s Silvino Bracho in the eighth inning, sending Team USA to the semifinals. Turner’s standout performance included tying the WBC single-tournament record with five home runs, including two in the semifinals against Cuba and one in the championship game against Japan.

Yoshida’s Game-Tying Home Run

While it wasn’t a bad pitch, Masataka Yoshida, the new Boston Red Sox Japanese slugger turned a 2-2 slider from Mexico’s JoJo Romero into a deep right-field blast in the seventh inning. The ball hit the high part of the right-field foul pole, resulting in a game-changing three-run homer that tied the WBC semifinal at 3-3, setting the stage for Japan’s eventual walk-off win. What a moment it was for Betway live betting, with the game poised to go either way!

Randy’s Pose After Home Run Robbery

Just like in the 2020 postseason with the Rays, Arozarena delivered clutch performances for Mexico in the 2023 Classic, both with his bat and in the field. Despite Mexico’s heartbreaking 6-5 loss to Japan in the semifinals, Arozarena left a lasting memory. In the fifth inning, he made a remarkable catch to rob a home run and struck a pose afterward. Arozarena’s play looked effortless as he tracked Kensuke Kondoh’s high fly ball, timed his jump perfectly, and snagged the potential homer at the left-field wall.

From the World Baseball Classic, the focus is now back to club level, and all the action is available for wagering on Betway and other sportsbooks.