Japan's World Baseball Classic title defense is over. Saturday night at loanDepot Park in Miami, Venezuela rallied from behind to eliminate Japan (VEN 8, JPN 5) and advance to the semifinals. Venezuela is one step away from Tuesday's Championship Game and Japan will head home following its worst World Baseball Classic finish ever.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, the MVP of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, takes partial responsibility for Japan's early exit from this year's WBC, despite posting better stats than last time.

Team Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata announced he will step down from his position after the World Baseball Classic. Japan was eliminated from the WBC on Saturday with an 8-5 loss to Venezuela in the tournament quarterfinals. Samurai Japan built a 5-2 lead after three innings, powered by home runs from Shohei Ohtani and Shota Morishita.

Shohei Ohtani and reigning champ Japan faced Venezuela team in WBC quarterfinals. Check out the highlights.

Shohei Ohtani has worn No. 17 throughout his MLB career, but switches to wearing a number 16 jersey with Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Ohtani hit a first-inning home run but also struck out twice and had the game-ending flyout in Japan’s quarterfinal loss to Venezuela.

Shohei Ohtani popped out to end the game for Japan. Venezuela advanced to the World Baseball Classic Semifinals.

Shohei Ohtani apologized to fans after Team Japan’s unexpected exit from the World Baseball Classic. In an Instagram message, the Japanese superstar said he felt responsible for the team falling short.

Japan will face its first stiff test in its quest for a fourth World Baseball Classic championship Saturday night. After sweeping through Pool C with a 4-0 record, Japan will take on Venezuela in the quarterfinals.

Japan plays against Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal tonight. The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. CT on FOX. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.