Shohei Ohtani opens World Baseball Classic with explosive grand slam as Japan annihilates Taiwan

Dave Roberts joins Colin Cowherd on The Herd to discuss managing Shohei Ohtani, the greatest player in baseball, and what he brings to the Los Angeles Dodgers both on and off the field.

Shohei Ohtani started the World Baseball Classic off with a boom. 

The Team Japan captain hit a grand slam in the second inning of Friday's opening game against Taiwan, en route to a 13-0 blowout win. 

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"I knew it was going to leave the park right away after I hit it," Ohtani told reporters after the game. "It’s important to score first."

Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan hits a grand slam in the second inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Japan and Chinese Taipei at Tokyo Dome on March 06, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan.  (Gene Wang - Capture At Media/Getty Images)

The superstar thanked fans after the game. 

"It was a good game, and we got off to a good start, so I think it was all because of your support," he said to rising applause as he spoke in Japanese. "I think the battles will continue, but if the fans and the team can come together and cheer, it will encourage us. So please support us."

Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan waves after winning the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Japan and Chinese Taipei at Tokyo Dome on March 6, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan.  (Gene Wang - Capture At Media/Getty Images)

Japan's starting pitcher and Ohtani's Los Angeles Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto said he tips his cap to Ohtani after the game. 

"This was our first game of the tournament and to score the first run is always difficult," Yamamoto said. "But Shohei hit a huge home run to give us the momentum. So I tip my cap to him."

Japan is looking to defend their