Japan began defense of their World Baseball Classic title with a commanding 13-0 victory over Chinese Taipei on Friday at Tokyo Dome, led by a standout performance from Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani went 3-for-4 with five RBIs in what multiple outlets described as a record-setting performance for the tournament. The victory marked an emphatic start for Team Japan as they seek to repeat as World Baseball Classic champions.

The World Baseball Classic, now in its 20th year since debuting in 2006, has evolved from its early days when international baseball competition lacked major league participation. The tournament was created to address the absence of a legitimate international baseball competition featuring top professional players, unlike other sports that showcase their stars at the Olympics or World Cup events.

The 2026 edition features multiple high-profile teams and matchups, with the United States, Dominican Republic, and other baseball powerhouses also competing. However, several major league stars are notably absent from this year's tournament, with insurance issues cited as a primary factor preventing some of baseball's biggest names from participating.

Other games in the tournament include the United States facing Brazil, with Logan Webb scheduled to start for the American team. The Netherlands roster features several players with Caribbean connections, including Xander Bogaerts and Didi Gregorius, highlighting the tournament's international reach and eligibility rules that allow players to represent countries based on heritage rather than birthplace.