Shohei Ohtani and Japan rally over Australia in World Baseball Classic

Team USA cruises past Great Britain in pool play

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Shohei Ohtani and Japan secured a berth in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a 4-3 victory over Australia on Sunday. Meanwhile, Team USA cruised to a 9-1 win over Great Britain.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a prestigious international baseball tournament featuring the sport's top players. Japan is the reigning champion, while the U.S. is seeking its second title. The results of the pool play games will determine the quarterfinal matchups.

The details

In the Japan-Australia game, Masataka Yoshida hit a go-ahead 2-run homer in the 7th inning to give Japan a 2-1 lead. Japan added two more runs in the 8th on a Teruaki Sato RBI double and a Seiya Suzuki bases-loaded walk. Australia made it close with a 9th inning homer, but Japan held on for the 4-3 win. For Team USA, they scored 9 runs on 10 hits, including a homer, while their pitching staff struck out 17 Great Britain batters without issuing a walk.

  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic is currently underway in pool play.
  • Japan and Australia played their game on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • Team USA played Great Britain on the same day, March 8, 2026.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A Japanese professional baseball player who plays for the Los Angeles Angels in MLB and is considered one of the best players in the world.

Masataka Yoshida

A Japanese professional baseball player who hit a go-ahead 2-run homer for Japan in the 7th inning against Australia.

Team USA

The United States national baseball team, which is considered one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The winner of the Japan-Australia game has clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. Team USA will next face Mexico in pool play.

The takeaway

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with powerhouse teams like Japan and the United States battling it out in pool play. The results of these early games will have major implications for the knockout rounds to come.