Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout in the ninth inning to save Japan's 3-2 win in Tuesday's World Baseball Classic final and clinch his nation's third championship and first since 2009.

With Miami's LoanDepot park on its feet and rocking with the high-voltage dream matchup of superstar Los Angeles Angels teammates, Ohtani struck out Trout swinging.

"My dream has come true," Ohtani said of Samurai Japan's victory. "It was such a relief I was able to close out the game. But it's sad this tournament is over."