Japan secured their place in the World Baseball Classic final against the USA after defeating Mexico with a 6-5 score. The game was a nail-biter, with Mexico leading 5-4 going into the bottom of the ninth inning. However, Japan’s Shohei Ohtani was a key player, sparking a late rally. With runners on first and second, Murakami hit a walk-off double, sending Japan to the final against the USA, which will be played the next day. Japan continued to press, and a single by Meneses stopped at third by pinch-runner Jarren Duran, putting Mexico ahead 4-3. However, Japan tied it up in the bottom of the eighth inning, and the game was now even at 3-3. Despite Japan’s efforts, Arozarena managed to catch a liner to left for the third out in the bottom of the sixth inning, keeping the score at 3-0 in Mexico’s favor. Going into the top of the seventh inning, Mexico still held a 3-0 lead. However, Nootbaar walked with two outs in the frame, putting two runners in scoring position. Japan’s persistence finally paid off in the bottom of the ninth inning, with Murakami’s walk-off double securing their spot in the final against the USA.
Japan Advances to the World Baseball Classic Final
Japan secured their spot in the World Baseball Classic final against the USA after defeating Mexico with a 6-5 score. Japan’s Shohei Ohtani was a key player, sparking a late rally in the bottom of the ninth inning.
With runners on first and second, Murakami hit a walk-off double, sending Japan to the final against the USA, which will be played the next day. The game was a nail-biter, with Mexico leading 5-4 going into the bottom of the ninth inning. Japan had the tying run in scoring position to begin the inning.
Japan’s heart of the order, Ohtani, Yoshida, and Murakami, faced Mexico’s bullpen. Mexico changed pitchers, bringing in Gerardo Reyes, but it wasn’t enough to stop Japan’s momentum.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Japan had runners on first and second with no outs. A hit by pitch opened the inning, followed by a single to left field by Paredes, although Meneses was thrown out at home. A strikeout left Mexico with two runners in scoring position and two outs.
Japan continued to press, and a single by Meneses stopped at third by pinch-runner Jarren Duran, putting Mexico ahead 4-3. However, Japan tied it up in the bottom of the eighth inning, and the game was now even at 3-3.
Going into the top of the seventh inning, Mexico still held a 3-0 lead. Japan looked like they might have been able to turn a double play, but it was determined that the tag was not applied properly in time.
Despite Japan’s efforts, Arozarena managed to catch a liner to left for the third out in the bottom of the sixth inning, keeping the score at 3-0 in Mexico’s favor. However, Nootbaar walked with two outs in the frame, putting two runners in scoring position.
Japan’s persistence finally paid off in the bottom of the ninth inning, with Murakami’s walk-off double securing their spot in the final against the USA. Despite Mexico’s efforts, they were unable to cash in on their chances and retake the lead.
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