On March 7, 2023, Japan beat the American Baseball team in the World Baseball Classic. In the exciting game, Justin Turner hit a 406-foot home run in the second inning, gaining an early lead for Team USA. Japan quickly caught up though when Munetaka Murakami slammed one into the right field, tying the game instantly. Shortly after, Okamoto scored off of an RBI by Nootbar, securing the lead for Japan. Then, in the bottom of the 4th, Okamoto scored yet again, this time putting the ball deep into the stands as he hit a 407-foot homerun strengthening Japan’s lead. Things finally got a little bit better for Team USA when Schwarber hit a 436-foot homer into right-center, but unfortunately, Team USA couldn’t catch up as Ohtani and Trout faced off in the top of the 9th. With Ohtani striking out Trout with a low and outside slider to finish the game, Japan emerged as the victor with a final score of 3-2.