Japan has secured its place in the World Baseball Classic final after an impressive performance against Mexico. Shohei Ohtani played a crucial role in the ninth-inning rally, hitting a leadoff double that led to a comeback by Japan. Defending champions United States will now face two-time champions Japan in the final, which takes place on Tuesday night.
Twenty-one-year-old right-hander Roki Sasaki proved to be a sensation during the game, with dozens of MLB club officials in attendance to watch his performance. Sasaki’s entry into the majors is all-but-certain, and many are already mentioning him in the same class as his Samurai Japan teammate, Shohei Ohtani.
Masataka Yoshida’s home run was a highlight of Japan’s impressive offensive presence, with ten hits recorded during the game. Meanwhile, left fielder Randy Arozarena caught the eye with his pregame outfit, wearing a large sombrero and cowboy boots to represent the country he settled in during his early 20s after defecting from Cuba.
Japan’s victory over Mexico sees them move closer to their third WBC championship, with the final against defending champions United States taking place on Tuesday night at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Japan Advances to World Baseball Classic Final After Beating Mexico 6-5 in Dramatic Ninth-Inning Rally
In a thrilling ninth-inning rally, Shohei Ohtani hit a leadoff double that sparked a comeback by Japan over Mexico, eventually winning the game 6-5 and securing their place in the World Baseball Classic final. The dramatic moment saw Ohtani waving his arms to the crowd in a rare show of emotion before Munetaka Murakami hit a walk-off, two-run double to seal the victory for Japan.
Defending champions United States will now face two-time champions Japan in the final, which takes place on Tuesday night. Shota Imanaga will start for Japan, replacing Yu Darvish who had previously been scheduled to play. Merrill Kelly is expected to start for Team USA, who have previously won the WBC once.
After the game, members of Team Japan rushed the field in celebration, while the defeated Mexico team exited with their heads down. “These games are really critical and the foundation of baseball,” said Japan manager Hideki Kuriyama through an interpreter.
Ohtani played a crucial role in Japan’s victory, going 2 for 4 with a crucial leadoff double that began the ninth-inning rally. He has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, batting .450 with nine hits, nine runs, and eight RBIs. In the seventh, Masataka Yoshida hit a tying, three-run homer that Ohtani scored on.
The game began as a pitching duel between Rōki Sasaki and Patrick Sandoval, but Japan’s offensive power proved too much for Mexico’s relievers. The match was played in front of a crowd of 35,933, who chanted “¡Si Se Puede!” (translating to “Yes We Can!”) throughout the night.
Left fielder Randy Arozarena was a standout performer for Mexico, making a leaping catch in the fifth to preserve a 3-0 lead, signing autographs mid-inning, and doubling and scoring in the eighth to make it 4-3. “Randy was incredible today,” said Mexico manager Benji Gil. “He gave us the opportunity to come back to the game after a home run that many teams facing this kind of team with so many stars, they could have given up, but, no, he started this rally. We fought. Again, we took the lead. They are warriors.”
In his first appearance on a global stage, Rōki Sasaki struck out three in four innings. Japan’s victory over Mexico sees them move one step closer to their third WBC championship.
Roki Sasaki Shines in WBC with Dozens of MLB Officials in Attendance
Roki Sasaki, a 21-year-old right-hander, proved to be a sensation during the World Baseball Classic (WBC) game between Japan and Mexico, with dozens of MLB club officials in attendance to watch his performance. Sasaki’s entry into the majors is all-but-certain, and many are already mentioning him in the same class as his Samurai Japan teammate, Shohei Ohtani.
Sasaki’s 64 pitches included 26 that exceeded 100 mph, making him an impressive force to be reckoned with on the field. However, in the fourth inning, Luis Urias hit Sasaki’s 90.8 mph cutter for a three-run homer to left-center field, scoring Rowdy Tellez and Isaac Paredes. Sasaki gave up five hits in total during the game.
Meanwhile, Japan had a strong offensive presence, recording 10 hits on Monday night, including a home run by Masataka Yoshida off Romero’s 2-2 changeup. Yoshida, who is set to start his first season in the majors with the Boston Red Sox, is expected to be the team’s cleanup hitter, according to Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
Japan’s victory over Mexico sees them move closer to their third WBC championship, with the final against defending champions United States taking place on Tuesday night at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Prior to the game, left fielder Randy Arozarena caught the eye with his pregame outfit, wearing a large sombrero and cowboy boots to represent the country he settled in during his early 20s after defecting from Cuba. Arozarena also posed with Ohtani, highlighting the camaraderie between the two teams.
Japan’s shortstop Sosuke Genda played with a broken right pinky finger, demonstrating the team’s dedication and resilience on the field. The WBC final is set to start at 7:05 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, with Japan and United States facing off for the coveted championship title.
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
