Ohtani's Unusual Netting Play and WBC Campaigns: A Tale of Two Tournaments

A ball that strikes the protective netting and rebounds onto the field is live and in play.

Inside-the-Park Home Run on Unusual Netting Play

During the eighth inning of a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium on May 16, 2026, Ohtani hit a ball that dropped inside the right field line, bounced off the ground, and struck netting atop the outfield wall. The ball did not enter the stands.

According to Angel Stadium ground rules established for the 2026 season, a ball that strikes the front of the netting is live and in play unless it becomes lodged or unplayable. MLB's universal ground rules also state that a ball striking protective netting and rebounding onto the field is live and in play. Replay officials confirmed the play, ruling that the netting was flush with the wall and considered an extension of it.

Ohtani rounded the bases and scored on the play, officially recorded as a triple with a throwing error by Angels right fielder Jo Adell. The Dodgers won the game 15-2. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki argued that the ball should be dead due to fan interference, but the call was upheld. Ohtani later hit a double, driving in three additional runs. He had been rested for two games prior to this game due to a slump.

World Baseball Classic Performance

2023 WBC: Japan's Championship Victory

In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani hit a grand slam and a double as Japan defeated Taiwan 13-0 in their initial Pool C game. Ohtani's grand slam occurred in the second inning. Earlier in the first inning, he doubled on the first pitch of the game but did not score. Celebrities Timothée Chalamet and Bad Bunny were among the spectators.

"Scoring the first run in a tournament opener is difficult," said winning pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, crediting Ohtani's performance. "His home run provided momentum."

Prior to the game, Ohtani's batting practice drew attention. He took approximately 25 swings and hit about 10 balls out of the park.

Japan went on to win the 2023 WBC championship. Their 2023 championship victory extended their winning streak to 11 consecutive WBC games.

2026 WBC: Quarterfinal Elimination

Japan's 2026 WBC run concluded with an 8-5 quarterfinal loss to Venezuela. Ohtani participated as a hitter only.

• Venezuela initiated scoring with Ronald Acuña Jr.'s leadoff home run in the first inning.
• Ohtani responded with a home run for Japan in the bottom half of the first inning.
• Japan took a 5-2 lead in the third inning after Shota Morishita hit a three-run home run.
• Venezuela narrowed the lead in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Maikel Garcia.
• Wilyer Abreu hit a three-run drive in the sixth inning, giving Venezuela a 7-5 lead.
• An additional run scored in the eighth inning following a wild pickoff throw.

Ohtani's performance included a home run and an intentional walk. He did not achieve a hit in his final three plate appearances, striking out twice and making the last out of the game in the ninth inning.

Following the defeat, Ohtani expressed disappointment: "It's extremely disappointing for it to end like this, but there's always next time."

Japan's roster included approximately half of its 2023 WBC team. Pitcher Roki Sasaki was absent from the team due to injury. Ohtani participated solely as a hitter, managing his pitching arm after a second major elbow operation. Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata stated that using Ohtani as a pitcher mid-game was not an option.

Japan's team batting average for the tournament was .284, a decrease from .299 in the 2023 tournament. Their earned run average (ERA) was 3.35, an increase from 2.29 in the prior tournament.

Japan's strategy prioritized offense and power hitting. All of Japan's runs in the game were scored via extra-base hits, including a leadoff home run by Ohtani, a double by Teruaki Sato, and a three-run home run by Morishita. Japan did not score after the third inning. Outfielder Seiya Suzuki left the game due to a knee injury. Defensive adjustments included starting Suzuki in center field, a position he had rarely played for his MLB team.

Japan's pitching strategy was noted, including the unavailability of pitchers Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, and Kodai Senga. The bullpen included pitchers of varying sizes, with Chihiro Sumida (5'9", left-handed) yielding a two-run home run and Hiromi Itoh (5'9", right-handed) giving up a three-run home run that allowed Venezuela to take the lead.

This loss marked Japan's first defeat after 11 consecutive WBC victories, a streak that included their 2023 championship. Japan's final record for the 2026 tournament was not provided in the available sources.