Ohtani hits pair of three-run HRs for Japan in WBC tuneup

TOKYO — Shohei Ohtani hit a pair of three-run homers in a prep recreation for the World Baseball Classic, serving to Japan win 8-1 on the Central League’s Hanshin Tigers in an exhibition on Monday night time.

The Los Angeles Angels two-way star went all the way down to his left knee within the third inning when he homered to heart off right-hander Hiroto Saiki. Ohtani homered to heart once more within the fifth aganst left-hander Ren Tomida.

Ohtani struck out in his first at-bat and prompt he might need had jet lag after touring from spring coaching within the United States.

Ohtani was enjoying his first recreation for Japan since an exhibition towards the Netherlands on Nov. 13, 2016.

The WBC begins Wednesday with two video games in Taiwan: Cuba vs. Netherlands, and Panama vs. Taiwan. Japan opens Thursday towards China on the Tokyo Dome. Ohtani is anticipated to be Japan’s designated hitter.

Japan gained the primary two editions of the match in 2006 and 2009. The U.S. is defending champion after profitable in 2017. The Dominican Republic is taken into account a favourite.