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From 2018-22, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout combined for two MVPs, three other Top 5 MVP seasons, a Rookie of the Year award, five Silver Sluggers, a Top 5 Cy Young season and six All-Star Game selections as Los Angeles Angels teammates.
Ohtani had not yet experienced the tension of the MLB playoffs. The World Baseball Classic offered that opportunity, and he took full advantage. Ohtani hit .435 with a home run and 10 walks in seven games, plus picked up two wins in two starts.
Ohtani was called on to close the championship game. Japan led 3-2 in the ninth, and Ohtani opened the inning with a walk followed by a double-play ball. With two outs, he faced his friend Trout for the first time. Ohtani touched at least 100 mph on four of the first five pitches before striking Trout out swinging with an 87 mph breaking ball on the outside corner. He threw his glove and his hat before being mobbed by teammates. Needless to say, Ohtani was named MVP of the tournament.
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