WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL C - JAPAN VS CHINESE TAIPEI

March 6, 2026

Shohei Ohtani

Tokyo Dome

Team Japan

Postgame Press Conference

Japan 13, Chinese Taipei 0

Q. In the second inning, you initiated the fierce attack and Team Japan ended up scoring 10 runs. How do you look back on that inning?

SHOHEI OHTANI: That was the inning that really decided the game. After scoring the first few runs, we kept our focus and worked some walks, so I think we managed the game well from there. Overall, I think it was a good game.

Q. Speaking of your at-bat, you hit the very first pitch of the game for a double. What was going through your mind when you came to the plate?

SHOHEI OHTANI: Well, it was our first game and I thought some of our players might be a little tense, so I wanted to be aggressive right from the beginning and try to establish our pace. Luckily, I saw a good pitch to hit and was able to take a good swing at it.

Japan 13, Chinese Taipei 0

Q. Most of all, your grand slam was a killer. Take us through that at-bat. How did you feel about your swing, and how did it feel when you drove that ball?

SHOHEI OHTANI: I knew it was going to leave the park right after I hit it. It's important to score first, so I really wanted to drive in at least a run.

Q. You gestured Team Japan's latest home run celebration, the "matcha whisking" celebration. It seems to be catching on, doesn't it?

SHOHEI OHTANI: Yes, Kitayama really put a lot of thought into coming up with that idea, so I'll keep doing my best to continue making that gesture.

Q. You got off to a great start toward another championship. Yet you have to face Team Korea tomorrow. What are your thoughts on that?

SHOHEI OHTANI: We'll continue to play against great teams, so we should all go home early, get a good night's sleep, and prepare ourselves well for those games.

Q. It was Team Japan's first game and so many fans cheer up for you. Could you give a message to the fans?

SHOHEI OHTANI: There will be a series of tough games ahead, but your loud cheers always encourage us. We hope you'll keep cheering for us.