Spanish
Tokyo, Japan.– Japanese star Shohei Ohtani assured that the Japanese team must prepare for a demanding tournament in its attempt to conquer its second consecutive World Baseball Classic championship, whose new edition begins this week in Tokyo.
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The phenomenon of the Los Angeles Dodgers was key in the title obtained three years ago, when he struck out in the ninth inning the American captain Mike Trout to seal a historic final against the United States. Ohtani now returns to the 20-team international tournament alongside his Dodgers teammate, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, in a Japanese team that combines experience and top-level talent. Japan will play all its group stage matches at the Tokyo Dome, where it will debut this Friday against Taiwan. The 31-year-old star warned that, despite the team's strength, the road will not be easy against rivals like Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, and the Czech Republic. "We have a great team, but the last tournament showed that there are no easy matches. Opponents can take the lead or put you under pressure quickly. The important thing will be to remain calm in any situation," Ohtani said. Japan will seek to extend its historic record and conquer its fourth World Classic title. From the quarterfinals, the competition will move to Miami and Houston, in the United States. The person in charge of opening on the mound against Taiwan will be Yamamoto, recognized as one of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues after his consolidation with the Dodgers. The 27-year-old right-hander highlighted that the Los Angeles organization understood the importance of the tournament for Japan and authorized his participation. "We talked extensively and I am in optimal physical condition. I can compete in the Classic and be ready for the start of the season with the Dodgers," Yamamoto affirmed. Ohtani also appealed to the support of the local public as a determining factor. "These tournaments allow all of Japan to unite behind the national team. The support of the fans will give us great energy," he concluded. With a powerful alignment and the support of its public, Japan begins its journey with the clear goal of revalidating the world crown.
