Venezuela beat Shohei Ohtani and defending champion Japan 8-5 in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday night to advance to the semifinals against unbeaten Italy.

Team Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata announced he will step down from his position after the World Baseball Classic. Japan was eliminated from the WBC on Saturday with an 8-5 loss to Venezuela in the tournament quarterfinals.

Hirokazu Ibata said he'll step down as Japan's manager after the defending champions lost to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals.

Shohei Ohtani has only worn No. 17 in his MLB career, but had a different jersey number while with Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Keep up with the World Baseball Classic schedule on March 14, including game times, TV channels and live updates.

Ohtani hit a first-inning home run but also struck out twice and had the game-ending flyout in Japan’s quarterfinal loss to Venezuela.

USA vs. Dominican Republic prediction, odds, pick for 2026 World Baseball Classic appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A spot in the World Baseball Classic Championship game is on the line as Team USA faces off with the Dominican Republic.

The World Baseball Classic is back for the first time since 2023 and Japan is all set for the action. Here's everything you need to know about the Japan national team, including roster, schedule and how to watch.