Ohtani stars in WBC opener

Shohei Ohtani hit a tworun double off the left-field wall, gave up one hit over four innings and earned the win, leading Japan over China 8-1 on Thursday night in its opener at the World Baseball Classic in Tokyo.

The Angels’ two-way star struck out five and walked none in the Group B game in front of 41,616 at the Tokyo Dome. His fourth-inning double off Weiyi Wang gave Japan a 3-0 lead.

Ohtani retired his first 10 batters before Wang’s single in the fourth.

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper joined teammates at spring training and hasn’t ruled out being back by the All-Star break following Tommy John surgery in November . ... New York Yankees lefthander Carlos Rodón will begin the season on the injured list because of a left forearm strain, general manager Brian Cashman said.