WBC Daily: Why Did Japan Fans Give Czechia's Pitcher Getting A Rousing Ovation?

In a game that featured some top talent, it was the full-time electrician on the mound who shined brightest in Tuesday's World Baseball Classic game between Japan and Czechia. Catching up on Tuesday's action from around the WBC: JUMP TO: Japan Rests Ohtani In Win | Israel Wins Over Netherlands | Canada Squeaks Past P.R. | USA Stunned By Italy No Ohtani? No Problem For Japan Japan gave Shohei Ohtani the day off as the defending champions completed an unbeaten group stage at the World Baseball Classic, beating the Czechia  9-0 on Tuesday night behind a nine-run eighth inning capped by Munetaka Murakami's grand slam. After outscoring opponents 39-9 in going 4-0, Japan advanced to a quarterfinal on Saturday in Miami against Venezuela or the Dominican Republic. Ohtani is hitting .556 with two homers, six RBIs and four walks. Czech starter Ondrej Satoria, who famously struck out Ohtani at the 2023 tournament, allowed six hits over 4 2/3 innings. The full-time electrician received a standing ovation from the Tokyo Dome crowd as he left the game. "I’m sad," Satoria said before the game, knowing Ohtani was out of the lineup. "I think a lot of fans are sad, too. Maybe he’s resting for the long trip to Miami." Israel Defeats Netherlands Jake Gelof had three RBIs as Israel defeated the Netherlands, 6-2, with both teams already eliminated from the World Baseball Classic. The Dutch had taken a two-run lead in the first inning thanks to a fielder's choice Xander Boegarts and a sacrifice fly by Didi Gregorius, but Gelof's double brought in Noah Mendlinger in the second inning. Israel then scored five runs in the sixth inning, with Cole Carrigg and RJ Schreck scoring off Gelof's single. Matt Mervis would then double to bring Gelof and Medlinger home. Canada Keeps Hopes Alive A surprising win by Canada over Puerto Rico puts Pool A into a bit of chaos heading into Wednesday's final day of action. With a win against Cuba on Wednesday, Canada would advance to the quarterfinals with a 3-1 record. If Canada loses, they would be ousted as they’d finish with a 2-2 record behind Puerto Rico and Cuba. Owen Caissie had two doubles and scored a run for Canada, with Nolan Arenado going 3-for-4 in the losing effort. Italy Pulls Off Upset Over USA Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci and Jac Caglianone homered as Italy built a big lead and held on to stun the United States 8-6 Tuesday night in the World Baseball Classic. The U.S. needs the Italians to beat Mexico on Wednesday night to be guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals. If Mexico beats Italy, the three teams will be knotted at 3-1 and the winners will be determined by a tiebreaker, with the team that allowed the most runs eliminated. Pete Crow-Armstrong homered twice and drove in four runs, and Gunnar Henderson added a solo shot for the U.S., but the rally came up short when Greg Weissert struck out Aaron Judge with a runner on to end it.