No player in baseball history has shown a two-way ability at the level of Shohei Ohtani, and now the Team Japan and Los Angeles Angels star can add one more item to an already unprecedented résumé: World Baseball Classic closer.

Ohtani put the finishing touches on Japan's undefeated run at the 2023 WBC on Tuesday, protecting a one-run lead in the ninth inning of a 3-2 win in Miami and giving his country an unmatched third title in the event's history.

Ohtani started the game as Japan's designated hitter, going 1-for-3 with a run and a walk at the plate. Even before he took the field, there was speculation about if he would see the mound after the Angels gave their public blessing for the former MVP to pitch. Ohtani moved between the dugout and bullpen several times in the later innings before finally emerging in the ninth for what will likely go down as one of the most watched moments in baseball history.