Ohtani said, ‘Let’s win together after 3 years’.”
The 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) ended with Japan winning. Japan defeated the United States 3-2 in the 2023 WBC final on the 22nd and lifted the 3rd championship trophy in its career. It was a thrilling victory 14 years after the 2009 tournament.
Darvish Yu, the oldest and spiritual supporter of the Japanese national team, pitched in relief in the 8th inning when the team led 3-1. He hit with a solo home run off Kyle Schwaber in the first out, but held on to the lead and handed the baton to Shohei Ohtani in the ninth inning.
Darvish’s performance in this competition was below expectations. He pitched in 3 games (1 start) and was sluggish with 7 hits (3 home runs), 2 strikeouts and 5 runs (4 earned) in 6 innings. He allowed a home run in every game and exposed his insecurities, and in the end, he was not a starting pitcher in the finals.
However, Darvish’s presence alone was a great force for the Japanese national team and had a positive impact. Darvish, who was the main player in winning the 2009 WBC, was a pitcher who caught the last out count at the time. He missed the tournament in 2013 and 2017, but returned to the national team after 14 years for this tournament.
Darvish joined the national team camp early in February and got along with his teammates. It was Darvish’s heart that he wanted to get close to his teammates as soon as possible. Moreover, the atmosphere of the team was raised by having a team dinner centered on Darvish. Even at the tournament, Darvish was willing to do dirty work for his team. He kept the mound, taking on not only the starting but also the relief mission.
The next competition will be held in 2026.스포츠토토 Three years later, Darvish reaches an age of infidelity. In fact, it was considered the last WBC tournament, but Darvish did not take off his national team uniform.
After the game, Darvish said in an interview with Japanese media, “After the game, Ohtani said, ‘Let’s win together after three years’.”
Will Darvish be on the mound for the 2026 WBC? If Darvish’s performance does not decline and he maintains his pace, we will be able to see his pitching even after 3 years, just like Ohtani’s wish.