Team USA, captained by Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout, was one of the best in the World Baseball Classic.
Their offense was incredibly productive, and the pitching was good enough to lead them to the final game against Japan.
Japan was, simply put, better.
They played seven games, and won seven games, locking up their third WBC title in the process.
They won in Japan and they also did so in the United States, leaving no doubts.
Trout, who had an amazing Classic with a .296/.406/.556 line, a .962 OPS, two doubles, one triple, and a homer, was the last out against his teammate Shohei Ohtani, no less.
After reaching a full count, Ohtani threw an amazing slider that induced a swinging strike to end the game and the championship.
Trout shared a heartfelt message after the painful loss.
“It’s hard to sum up into words what these last couple of weeks have meant to me. I had the time of my life representing that USA on my chest! The energy was electric and made the WBC a moment I’ll always cherish. So thank you all so much. It was an honor to be your captain,” he tweeted.
It’s hard to sum up into words what these last couple of weeks have meant to me. I had the time of my life representing that USA on my chest! The energy was electric and made the WBC a moment I’ll always cherish. So thank you all so much. It was an honor to be your captain. 🫡🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/V5TOEaKpu7
—Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) March 22, 2023
Trout led a fun bunch that played to the top of their capabilities.
The Americans looked competitive through and through.
They just happened to encounter a similarly talented team with enough hunger to win it all, too.
After the game, he told Ohtani that he “won Round 1”, implying that there will be more battles like the one from Tuesday night in the future.
Baseball wants and needs them.
All of them.
NEXT:
Pedro Martinez Shares Inspirational Message With Shohei Ohtani
