Ohtani hits 2 HRs during 1st game with Japan in over 6 years

Shohei Ohtani looks primed for a monster performance at the World Baseball Classic.

The Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar went deep twice with six RBIs in an exhibition game Monday against the Hanshin Tigers in his first contest with Team Japan since November 2016.

Ohtani had to go down to his left knee to hit the first homer in the third inning:

"As my physical condition isn't 100% because of jet lag, I feel a bit worried about missing a pitch over the plate," Ohtani said when asked about his first blast, according to Yonhap News Agency's Jeeho Yoo. "Still, I was able to get a good swing on a split."

The perennial MVP contender crushed another round-tripper in the fifth inning:

The 2023 WBC will mark the first time Ohtani has played in the tournament. Japan's opening game is against China on Thursday.