Ichiro "Raps" up WBC Title

Japan and Korea were tied, 3-3, in the top of the 10th Monday night. The World Baseball Classic title was hanging in the balance. Japan had runners on second and third with two outs and Ichiro Suzuki up the plate. No-brainer right? You walk him to loaded the bases and set up a force at any base, and face anyone other than the guy who wields a bat like Zorro swung a sword.

But Korea did indeed pitch to Ichiro and the Seattle Mariner made them pay with a 2-run game winning single. With the 5-3 victory, Japan successfully defended their WBC championship, which they first won in 2006.

Korea's manager Sik Kim had signaled to pitch around Ichiro and was befuddled afterwards as to why his pitcher and catcher didn't follow his orders. But why even mess around? It shouldn't have been left to chance; Ichiro should have been intentionally walked.

The Red Sox' Datsuke Matsuzaka won the tourney MVP award, just as he did in 2006.

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photo courtesy of NY Times