Shohei Ohtani opened the World Baseball Classic by clubbing a grand slam, because of course he did.
The GOAT led Japan to a dominant victory over Chinese Taipei, and they’ll look to improve to 2-0 against rival Korea. But the Blue Wave has an underrated lineup and started the tournament strong.
My Korea vs. Japan predictions and World Baseball Classic best bets expect more fireworks in the Tokyo Dome and are targeting the total for this Pool C matchup on Saturday, March 7.
Korea vs Japan prediction
Korea vs Japan best bet: Over 10.5 (-120 at DraftKings)
Japan walloped Chinese Taipei 13-0 in their WBC-opening win, with Shohei Ohtani’s grand slam in the second inning igniting the rout. This is the strongest lineup Japan has assembled for this tournament, with five impact MLB bats.
They face a rejuvenated Korea team that’s full of up-and-coming KBO stars. The trio of Hyun Min Ahn, Do Yeong Kim, and Hyun Bin Moon are all 22 and younger and combined for 70 home runs in the KBO this season.
They scored 11 runs in their opener against Czechia and face Yusei Kikuchi, who has a history of giving up hard contact.
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Korea vs Japan same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 10.5
Korea +5.5
This is Asia’s best baseball rivalry, and Korea is motivated to prove it can compete with its big baseball brother, Japan.
The KBO is perennially underrated and producing more MLB talent than ever before.
And with Japan not having the same pitching prowess as it did in the 2023 tournament, with no Roki Sasaki or Yu Darvish, Korea will have a chance to keep this game within a big spread.
Kazuma Okamoto star player prop
Kazuma Okamoto best bet: Home run (+475 DraftKings)
Toronto Blue Jays’ third baseman Kazuma Okamoto spent six seasons of hitting 30 or more home runs in the Tokyo Dome and had an RBI single and a couple of deep fly balls in the win over Chinese Taipei.
Korea vs Japan opening odds
- Moneyline: Korea +900 | Japan -1800
- Run line: Korea +5.5 | Japan -5.5
- Over/Under: Over 10.5 | Under 10.5
How to watch Korea vs Japan and game info
| Location | Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan |
| Date | Saturday, March 7, 2026 |
| First pitch | 5:00 a.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
| Korea starting pitcher | Young Pyo Ko |
| Japan starting pitcher | Yusei Kikuchi |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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