Team USA vs. Team Japan. Mike Trout vs. Shohei Ohtani. The World Baseball Classic final is set to be one of the most exciting baseball matches of the year.
But who will win? Can Japan win their third title, or will the USA go back-to-back?
Inform your 2023 World Baseball Classic predictions with insights from Pinnacle.
World Baseball Classic 2023: USA vs. Japan predictions
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USA |
Japan |
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52.99% |
47.01% |
When: March 21, 2023
Where: Miami, Florida, USA
World Baseball Classic 2023: USA vs. Japan
The USA have looked lethal throughout the tournament, and maintained that reputation with a comfortable thrashing of Cuba 14-2 in the semi-finals to cruise into the championship game.
It wasn’t just dominance on display though. USA worked hard to avoid an initial tough start – facing an inning with a one-run deficit, before regaining control and piling on the runs.
Meanwhile, Japan had to fight to gain entry to the championship game, defeating Mexico 6-5 in an absolute thriller.
A late walk-off two-run double from Munetaka Murakami was the crushing blow, helping Shohei Ohtani get home from second base, and Ukyo Shuto from first to pick up the tight victory.
USA vs. Japan: Who will win?
USA odds to win: 1.819*
Japan odds to win: 2.050*
The USA are the defending champions, and are looking to secure a second title.
Both Trout and Ohtani are former MVPs
Japan are looking for their third championship, but haven’t reached a final since their second championship win back in 2009.
Team USA have scored 23 runs in their last two games, while Japan smashed six runs in the last three innings against Mexico.
The stars of both teams are Los Angeles Angels teammates - Mike Trout for the USA, and Shohei Ohtani for Japan. Both players are All-Stars, have won an AL Silver Slugger Award, and have previously been named MVP.
Trout boasts .318/.444/.591 with a single home run, seven RBIs, one double, and one triple in this tournament. Ohtani has mustered .450/.621/.800 with one homer, eight RBIs, four doubles, and a cheeky stolen base.
Both teams are stacked full of talent. Japan has the technical prowess to pull off a tight victory, but the USA has that powerful one through nine line-up that can easily blast their way to a quick win.
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