Shohei Ohtani and Hyeseong Kim Are Going Head-to-Head in Late, Late Night Matchup

Two prominent Los Angeles Dodgers are facing off in the World Baseball Classic Saturday morning, but you’ll either have to stay up very late or wake up very early to see it.

Samurai Japan, the defending champions led by superstar Shohei Ohtani, is hosting Team Korea, which features Hyeseong Kim, at the Tokyo Dome.

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The game is being broadcast on FS1, with first pitch set for 2 a.m. Pacific Time.

Both teams are 1-0 thus far in the tournament, with Ohtani turning heads in his first game, hitting a grand slam and nearly hitting for the cycle.

May 14, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Hyeseong Kim (6) celebrates with designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Athletics at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

What Have Shohei Ohtani and Hyeseong Kim Said About the Game?

The Dodgers teammates have spoken glowingly of each other ahead of this matchup, with both expressing some excitement.

“Hyeseong Kim is a truly excellent player in character, so I always enjoy being around him,” Ohtani said. “If we face each other, it will be a good opportunity for both of us.”

Kim said he’s also excited about the chance to compete against his MLB teammate while representing his national team.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Kim said. “I haven’t played a ton against Team Japan with Team Korea, so I want to make sure I get to play against them this WBC. I just want to prepare the right way. It’s an important game.”

Aug 4, 2021; Yokohama, Japan; Team Japan pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (17) reacts against Korea in a baseball semifinal match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Where is Yoshinobu Yamamoto?

Yamamoto pitched in Japan’s first game, a 13-0 rout of Chinese Taipei on Friday that also began at 2 a.m. PT.

He pitched 2.2 innings and allowed no runs or hits. He struck out two and walked three over his 53 pitches.

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Because of that recent activity, he is unlikely to play Saturday morning.

Though if Yamamoto did somehow come out and play again on Saturday, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s pitched on back-to-back days.

And last time, it worked out pretty nicely for the World Series MVP.

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