Japan has secured their place in the World Baseball Classic final against the United States after defeating Mexico in a thrilling match, with Munetaka Murakami’s two-run walk-off double securing the victory. Japan, who won the first two WBCs in 2006 and 2009 and reached the semis in the past two editions, will play against the defending champions, the United States, in the final. Japan’s victory was particularly noteworthy as they had trailed throughout the match, with Mexico taking a 5-3 lead in the eighth inning before Japan mounted a comeback. Japan’s Shohei Ohtani was instrumental in the win, hitting a double to start the game-ending ninth inning rally.
Japan secured their place in the World Baseball Classic final against the United States after defeating Mexico 6-5 in their semi-final match in Florida. Munetaka Murakami hit a two-run walk-off double, leading Japan to victory over Mexico in the second semi-final match held in Miami. Despite trailing throughout the game, Japan managed to score the game-ending run, which ensured their entry to the final. The Japanese team, who won the first two WBCs in 2006 and 2009 and reached the semis in the past two editions, will play against the defending champions, the United States, on Tuesday.
The game was tied at 5-5 entering the bottom of the ninth inning, and the Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani hit the first pitch from the St. Louis Cardinals’ Giovanny Gallegos for a double. Masataka Yoshida of the Boston Red Sox then followed with a walk, and Ukyo Shuto came in as a pinch runner for Yoshida. Murakami, who has been the MVP of Japan’s Central League for the past two years, then hit a 1-1 pitch off the wall in right-centre field, resulting in Ohtani and Shuto scoring and sparking wild celebrations.
Although Mexico were leading 5-4 entering the bottom of the ninth inning, they were unable to hold onto their lead, and Japan secured a spot in the final. Mexico’s Luis Urias hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning, putting his team ahead, but Japan equalized in the seventh inning with a three-run shot from Yoshida. In the eighth inning, an RBI double from the Boston Red Sox’s Alex Verdugo and a run-scoring single from the Tampa Bay Rays’ Isaac Paredes put Mexico up 5-3. Japan then managed to halve the deficit on a sacrifice fly from Hotaka Yamakawa in the bottom of the eighth.
After the match, Ohtani expressed his gratitude towards his team’s victory, stating that the team’s pitchers came through in the end. Ohtani also mentioned his availability to pitch in the decider, stating that he would be prepared whenever he’s needed. However, he also emphasized the importance of hitting runs on the board before pitching. Taisei Ota was credited with the win after throwing a scoreless top of the ninth inning.
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