Wilyer Abreu's no-doubt three-run home run in the sixth proved the difference as Venezuela upset Shohei Ohtani and Japan

Team Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata announced he will step down from his position after the World Baseball Classic. Japan was eliminated from the WBC on Saturday with an 8-5 loss to Venezuela in the tournament quarterfinals. Samurai Japan built a 5-2 lead after three innings, powered by home runs from Shohei Ohtani and Shota Morishita.

Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata makes an unexpected announcement hours after loss to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.

Shohei Ohtani and reigning champ Japan faced Venezuela team in WBC quarterfinals. Check out the highlights.

The Shohei Ohtani-led Japan squad attempts to punch their ticket to the World Baseball Classic semifinals.

MIAMI (AP) — Wilyer Abreu hit a go-ahead, three-run homer after Maikel Garcia sparked the comeback with a two-run shot, and Venezuela beat Shohei Ohtani and defending champion Japan 8-5 in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday night to advance to the semifinals.

Shohei Ohtani sounded off after Japan’s loss to Venezuela, which officially eliminated them from the World Baseball Classic.

Two of the better teams in the tournament look to solidify a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as Shohei Ohtani and Japan get set to take on Venezuela on Saturday night. This is the first World Baseball Classic since 2023,

Japanese star Seiya Suzuki limped off the field during a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game against Venezuela. Here's what to know about his status.