USA vs Japan odds and predictions: Who is the favorite to win the World Baseball Classic final?
The 2023 World Baseball Classic final is set and it’s a mouth-watering clash between defending champion U.S.A. and eternal rivals Japan. Here are the odds and predictions.
Though the Americans come into the final as clear favorites, it would be a mistake to disregard the depth and prowess of the Japanese. With arguably the best player on the planet in Shohei Ohtani, the Samurai aren’t in the finals to make up numbers. That’s without mentioning their stellar pitching lineup. Ultimately, the 2023 WBC final promises to be a matchup to remember.
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USA vs Japan: Lay of the land
Team USA look to make it two titles in a row
On Sunday, Team USA took care of business against Cuba in seemingly routine fashion in the first semifinal. With the final score being 14-2, it was a showcase of just how well the Americans are doing at the plate in this tournament. “They’re swinging the bats good, they’re having fun being around each other, they’re passing the baton, they’re not having selfish ABs, constant pressure,” said manager Mark DeRosa. “... I’m blown away by the way these guys control the strike zone. Trea Turner’s in the zone right now, hitting everything he sees. [I was] able to get everybody in there, have some fun, relax, and let the pitchers do their thing.” Of course, now just one win away from becoming back-to-back champions, they know they will have their hands full against a Japanese side that also deserves to be in the final.
The Japanese need not be afraid
As for Japan, the two-time champions come into the final following a truly dramatic 6-5 comeback win against Mexico in the semis. Having won all six of their games up to this point, the Japanese have been stellar throughout the tournament. With two-sensation Shohei Ohtani leading the way and a solid pitching rotation behind him - Yu Darvish is no joke - the team will have no reason to fear the opposition in front of them. It’s true that in terms of the head-to-head the Americans lead 2-1, but that’s the past and this is the present, something which Japan has shown they are very much in control of. Expect a thrilling contest when these two - the best nations in baseball - meet in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final.
USA vs Japan: The Odds
| Categories | USA | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | -165 | +175 |
USA vs Japan: The Prediction
First off the bat, we expect this one to be a high-scoring affair. Between the two teams, they’ve put 36 runs on the board during the knock out stages with the Americans posting 21 and the Japanese 15. Four of the USA’s last 5 games have seen them produce over 9.5 runs and the same can be said for the Japanese. With both teams possessing serious fire power, it’s going to come down to which pitching rotation can hold firm. With that, we’re going with a 7-5 Team USA win.