Superstar Shohei Ohtani launched a massive three-run homer in the first inning, as Japan cruised to a 7-1 victory over Australia in the World Baseball Classic at Tokyo Dome on Sunday.
The national team, nicknamed Samurai Japan, swept all four games in Pool B, easily advancing to the quarterfinals atop the group.
At Tokyo Dome on Thursday, Samurai Japan will host Italy, the second-place finisher in Pool A played in Taichung, Taiwan. The winner of the quarterfinal will advance to the semifinals held in Miami, which will also host the final.
