Masataka Yoshida’s seventh-inning two-run homer lifted Japan past Australia 4-3, sending the defending champions into the WBC quarterfinals.

Japan became the first team to lock in a spot in the 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals on Sunday. The Shohei Ohtani-led team won its third game of pool play over Australia at the Tokyo Dome. Japan will more than likely complete a perfect record in pool play against Czechia.

Masataka Yoshida continued his hot start to the World Baseball Classic on Sunday by homering for the second consecutive game. His latest dinger was a go-ahead, two-run clout in the seventh inning versus Australia.

Travis Bazzana grew up in Australia playing cricket. Now he’s the face of baseball Down Under—and one of the top prospects in all of MLB.

Lachlan Wells gets the nod to start team Australia's fourth game of the World Baseball Classic. Having began his career with the Syndey Blue Sox of the Australian Baseball League, Wells has spent time with the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies organizations.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is off to a roaring start, and one team has already advanced out of pool play. Samurai Japan clinched the top spot in Pool C with a narrow victory over Australia on Sunday.

Baseball fans, rejoice! The 2026 World Baseball Classic officially began Wednesday with the start of pool play. Colombia and Brazil secured the final two spots in this year’s tournament in qualifiers,

The World Baseball Classic began with a stunning upset as Australia powered past Chinese Taipei in the opening game, thanks to top 2024 MLB Draft pick Travis Bazzana