SAN DIEGO -- Hitoshi Tamura is not only a growing slugger in Japan, but he's also drawing attention on the World (Baseball Classic) stage.

"I've come to think that I may be able to play over here," said Tamura, who has started every game in the World Baseball Classic for Team Japan.

Tamura, who has batting third in four games of the six WBC games, has given some power to Sadaharu Oh's squad, hitting .250, with two home runs and six RBIs.