Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar Impresses Japan at WBC.

Lars Nootbaar, a St. Louis Cardinals outfielder, became the first player born outside Japan to play for its national team in the World Baseball Classic. He led off and started in center field in each of Japan’s seven games, reached base 14 times in 33 plate appearances, scored seven runs, and stole two bases. He also made a pair of highlight-reel catches in the early rounds before knocking in the run that put Japan ahead for good in its dramatic 3-2 win over the United States for the championship.