Baseball: Despite disappointing exit from WBC, Japan cherishes team spirit

MIAMI, Florida - Japan's players voiced their frustration following their 8-5 quarterfinal loss to Venezuela in the early hours of Sunday, but the disappointment was tempered by a sense of gratitude at being part of a tight-knit World Baseball Classic roster.

Venezuela's come-from-behind win at Miami's loanDepot park ended Japan's title defense and its bid for a record-extending fourth WBC championship.