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Japan's team closed with an undefeated record of 4-0 in its participation in the group stage. The team will face either the Dominican Republic or Venezuela in the next round. While waiting for that moment, the Japanese roster is in the news because it made history in this edition of the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
To begin with, the Japanese set a new record with the bat: they have 18 consecutive games hitting home runs in the WBC. It is a figure that can increase in this tournament if they manage to put the ball into orbit during the final phase.
Of those hits, five went into the stratosphere, meaning they have five in this championship. It is the longest hitting streak in the same tournament and can also be increased in their next games.One of the most outstanding players to achieve these numbers is Munetaka Murakami, who is preparing in this World Baseball Classic to excel in the Major Leagues and in his new adventure in Chicago.
Murakami makes history in World Baseball Classic
The Chicago White Sox player will arrive at the start of the MLB season with a historic mark on the international stage. In the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the Japanese player became the first player to hit two grand slams in the same edition. He did so against Australia and the Czech Republic.
Ohtani, Murakami's master
Against the Czech Republic, the Dodgers star did not play, but remained in the dugout. There he was seen to be very close to his teammate, whom he was giving advice and teaching him maneuvers for his turn at bat.
It has also been observed that Ohtani is constantly talking to Murakami about plays and actions in the game. On this particular point, Shohei advises Munetaka on technical and sporting aspects that he will have to observe in MLB with the start of the 2026 campaign.