Baseball fans in disbelief as Shohei Ohtani vs Mike Trout classic showdown finally becomes reality : "Historically the greatest matchup of all time”

The much awaited battle between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout finally took place in the final of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) as Team Japan closed out a one-run game against Team USA as they won 3-2 and were crowned WBC champions.

The game ended up being a fitting finale as it went right down to the ninth innings. With a one-run game on the board, Shohei Ohtani came to the mound as a reliever for the first time in almost seven years, having last done that during his time in the NPB. After walking Jeff McNeil, Ohtani got rid of Mookie Betts and took out McNeil on a double play.

This brought Team USA captain Mike Trout to the batter's box. It was a showdown for the ages, as in the ninth inning of the final with 2 outs and a one-run game, the two Los Angeles Angels stars faced each other. The matchup even went to the final pitch with a 3-2 on board before Mike Trout struck out swinging.

Team Japan raced on to the field in jubilation as they won their third WBC championship and first one since 2009. Fans were jubilant in their appreciation and applause for the two Halos superstars, whose clash was billed as one of the ages.

Fans hailed Shohei Ohtani for hisb brilliance in the final innings. He continues to prove himself to be the greatest two-way player in the history of baseball.

Quite unsurprisingly, there was some Mike Trout trolling too as fans jumped on the opportunity to make memes about his performance.

Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani to return as teammates in ten days' time

Both the Los Angeles Angels stars will be back in their team camp immediately as the Angels prepare for their regular season. With two generational stars in their lineup, and most likely their last season together, the Angels would look to post a postseason appearance this season.