Inside Japan’s baseball team: A complete roster and more about 2026 World Baseball Classic team originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Team Japan is the reigning champion of the World Baseball Classic.
They won the 2023 tournament, beating the United States 3-2 in the final. The ending to the game is one of the most memorable moments in baseball’s recent history, as Japanese pitcher Shohei Ohtani struck out his teammate at the time, Mike Trout, to end the game.
Author: Michael
Today’s Papers: Vlahovic returns, Verratti for Italy, Lazio hold Atalanta
La Gazzetta dello Sport
Pavlovic exclusive
A hardman’s derby
‘Leao said the right thing: It’s a game of life or feath/ Milan are ready to do well. Allegri has improved me.
‘Expected to be out…’ – Injury update on Alexander Isak doesn’t sound great for Liverpool
A fresh injury update on Alexander Isak is set to keep Liverpool fans guessing as to when the Reds’ club-record signing will return to action.
CDF: Marseille’s disastrous penalty shootout record 😱
It’s not the lottery.
On Wednesday evening, OM experienced another terrible disappointment by being eliminated from the French Cup in the quarter-finals at home against Toulouse (2-2, 4-3 after penalties).
Hampered by misses from Leonardo Balerdi and young Ethan Nwaneri, it’s fair to say that OM had reason to be nervous when stepping up for the penalty shootout.
Simply put, in the last four editions of the French Cup, OM has been eliminated on penalties. There was Annecy, Rennes, Lille, and now Toulouse.
TimesofIndia.com in Mumbai: The mercury reached uncomfortable levels on Wednesday, with weather forecast apps flashing a “danger of dehydration and heatstroke if outside for extended periods of time” warning. There were occasional moderate breezes, but they were not strong enough to make it a pleasant afternoon. The pitch baked under the harsh sun for most of the day, and the ground staff gently rolled it to keep it game-ready for the semi-final between India and England.
Motorsport photo
Ford has ended Chevrolet’s 12-race winning streak in Supercars racing after Brodie Kostecki took victory in the opening race of the Australian Formula 1 Grand weekend at Albert Park.
Kostecki led a Ford Mustang domination of the opening race on Thursday. The Dick Johnson Racing driver took pole position (the fifth different driver to do so in five races) under odd and somewhat brave circumstances. Feeling unwell, he was ill inside the car during his fastest lap and then had to shake off the effects, and wash out his helmet, before the second session, immediately after.
Virgil van Dijk seen berating Liverpool teammate after Wolves winner
Rio Ngumoha found himself at the centre of attention after Wolverhampton Wanderers’ stoppage-time winner against Liverpool, with cameras catching Virgil van Dijk visibly furious moments after the decisive goal.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
The Reds looked set to leave Molineux with a point after Mo Salah ended his lengthy scoring drought to cancel out Rodrigo Gomes’ opener in the second half.
Celtic’s Dane Murray missed out against Aberdeen [SNS]
Dane Murray sustained a late thigh injury in the run-up to Celtic’s 2-1 win at Aberdeen and was replaced in the starting XI by Benjamin Arthur. (Sun)
Manager Martin O’Neill expects Murray to a doubt for Celtic’s Scottish Cup quarter-final at Rangers on Sunday.
PEORIA, ARIZONA – MARCH 4: Joe Musgrove #44 of the San Diego Padres pitches during a World Baseball Classic scrimmage against Great Britain at Peoria Stadium on March 4, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It probably was not the exact start Joe Musgrove had in mind for his return to the mound in the San Diego Padres’ 2-2 tie with Great Britain at the Peoria Sports Complex on Wednesday, but it was positive. He got one out in the first inning, allowed a run and was taken out with the bases loaded and one out.
India opener Sanju Samson has thrust himself into the centre of attention after a match-winning, unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in a virtual knockout clash. The calmness he exhibited in a tense chase turned the game on its head and handed India crucial momentum ahead of the semifinal against England.
The innings also represents a dramatic turnaround in Samson’s tournament. Having started on the bench after losing his spot in the playing XI, he made full use of the opportunity when recalled for the Windies encounter.