"Orix scored three runs in the top of the first inning against Los Angeles Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi through consecutive RBI singles and an error from Team Japan. Team Japan struck back in the bottom of the fifth through a Masataka Yoshida solo homer, but another RBI single from Orix's Mugitani Yuusuke kept the deficit at three."
"Shohei Ohtani batted second for Team Japan in the exhibition match, but went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is also with Team Japan, but has not featured for them as of yet."
"The World Baseball Classic begins March 4, and will continue until the day of the final, March 17. Assuming they make it to the final game they'll return sometime after that, but they could also return ahead of schedule if Team Japan drops out of the tournament early."
Team Japan faced the Orix Buffaloes in an exhibition match ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Orix dominated early, scoring three runs in the first inning through consecutive RBI singles and a fielding error. Team Japan mounted a comeback with Masataka Yoshida hitting a solo homer and scoring additional runs in the eighth and ninth innings, but fell short. Shohei Ohtani batted second but struggled, recording no hits in three at-bats with two strikeouts. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is with Team Japan but has not yet played. Team Japan continues preparation with a Tuesday matchup against the Hanshin Tigers. Both Ohtani and Yamamoto will return to the Dodgers after the WBC concludes on March 17 or earlier if Japan is eliminated.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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