MIYAZAKI, Japan – The presence of Shohei Ohtani, although he did not participate in the game, was enough to capture attention at an exhibition game between the Japanese national team and the Chunichi Dragons.
The Vantelin Dome Nagoya stadium was completely filled to witness the event. The highlight of the night came when Ohtani took the field for his pre-game batting practice.
Each swing of the Los Angeles Dodgers player generated reactions of amazement among fans, teammates, and rival players. Several balls surpassed the stadium fences, stopping everyone to observe the exhibition of the Japanese phenomenon.
In Major League Baseball, Ohtani rarely holds batting practices open to the public. However, in his home country, he takes the opportunity to put on a show for Japanese fans, who see him as one of the most important figures in modern baseball.
Japan’s Victory in the Exhibition Game
In the match, the Samurai Japan team defeated the Dragons with a score of 5-3, despite the absence of Ohtani in the lineup.
Teruaki Sato, current Most Valuable Player of the Central League of Nippon Professional Baseball, stood out with a three-run home run leading the offense.
In the mound, Hiroya Miyagi pitched three scoreless innings, while Hiroto Takahashi secured the victory.
Preparing for the World Baseball Classic
Major League players will officially join the Japanese team on March 2, when Samurai Japan faces the Orix Buffaloes in one of their final preparation games before the start of the World Baseball Classic.
Ohtani’s brief appearance in batting practice was enough to remember why he is considered one of the most exceptional talents in baseball history.
