MIAMI, FL — Japan’s World Baseball Classic run came to an end with an 8–5 loss to Venezuela in the quarterfinals, but the game still featured several key moments involving Dodgers stars Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani.
After the game, Team Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata addressed questions about why Yamamoto was pulled early and the impact Ohtani had on the game.
Here are some of the most notable quotes from the press conference.
Hirokazu Ibata on why Yoshinobu Yamamoto was pulled after four innings
Ibata said the plan was always to limit Yamamoto’s workload and avoid pushing him too deep into the game.
“We were thinking around 60 pitches from the start. We didn’t want to push him too much, especially going deep into an inning.”
“Considering the workload and the situation, we felt four innings was probably the right point to take him out.”
The Venezuelan lineup also forced Yamamoto to work harder than expected.
“They had a lot of hitters who are very strong against the fastball. Many Japanese pitchers had their fastballs hit hard in this game.”
Ibata on the strength of Venezuela’s lineup
Ibata credited Venezuela for putting together quality at-bats throughout the game.
“They are a very strong team with a lot of talented hitters.”
“Even when we had the lead, we knew we couldn’t relax because of the power they have in that lineup.”
Ibata on Shohei Ohtani tying the game with a home run
After Ronald Acuña Jr. gave Venezuela an early lead against Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani answered immediately with a game-tying homer in the first inning.
Ibata said the moment showed exactly why Ohtani is such a special player.
“After we gave up a run, he immediately hit the home run to tie the game. That’s exactly what you expect from him.”
“Moments like that remind you just how special he is.”
Ibata on Ohtani’s later strikeouts in the game
Ohtani struck out twice later in the game, but Ibata felt Venezuela’s pitching executed well.
“The opposing pitcher threw excellent pitches. The slider on the outside corner was placed perfectly.”
Still, Ibata said Ohtani’s ability to change the momentum with one swing stood out.
“But the way he answered with that home run earlier in the game really showed how great he is.”
Ibata on whether Shohei Ohtani could have pitched in relief
Ibata was also asked if there was any consideration to using Ohtani on the mound during the game.
“That’s something you can’t really know unless you try it.”
“If he had been able to pitch, we probably would have had him start.”
Ibata on Japan’s pitching struggles in this tournament
Despite the loss, Ibata emphasized that international competition continues to improve.
“Baseball around the world keeps getting stronger.”
“Japan will keep improving and hopefully come back even stronger in the next tournament.”
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