Japan secured a spot in the World Baseball Classic final against the USA after a 6-5 walk-off victory over Mexico, with Shohei Ohtani delivering a crucial leadoff double in the ninth inning. Ohtani was delighted with the result but emphasized the importance of finishing in first place, vowing to do everything in his power to help Japan achieve that goal. Meanwhile, leftfielder Randy Arozarena made an impressive catch during the game that left everyone momentarily confused.
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Japan’s victory over Mexico has set up a thrilling final against the USA in the World Baseball Classic. Despite the highly-touted Roki Sasaki failing to live up to expectations, the actual star of the show, Shohei Ohtani, stepped up when it mattered. Ohtani’s impressive performance, including a vital leadoff double, helped spark a two-run rally in the ninth inning that secured a 6-5 walk-off victory for Japan.
Ohtani’s heroics came after Masataka Yoshida had earlier smashed a three-run homer to level the scores at 4-4 in the seventh inning. The usually stoic Ohtani was visibly emotional after his crucial double, which he followed up by raising his arms and flexing at second base. The rest of the team followed suit, and after Giovanny Gallegos walked Yoshida, Munetaka Murakami hit a two-run double to send Japan through to the final.
Reflecting on the game, Ohtani said it had been a while since he had played in such a high-pressure game, but he was delighted to have helped inspire his team to victory. Looking ahead to the final against the USA, Ohtani said he was “mentally prepared” to pitch if required, although he also admitted that it would be challenging to find the right time to get ready in the bullpen as the designated hitter.
Despite Sasaki’s disappointing performance, Japan’s victory over Mexico showed that they have the resilience and talent to compete with the best teams in the world. With Ohtani leading the way, they will be hoping to claim their first World Baseball Classic title since 2009 when they take on the USA in the final.
Shohei Ohtani has his sights set on first place after helping Japan secure a spot in the World Baseball Classic final against the USA. Reflecting on his team’s success, Ohtani emphasized the importance of finishing in first place and vowed to do everything in his power to achieve that goal.
Meanwhile, in the fifth inning of Japan’s game against Mexico, leftfielder Randy Arozarena pulled off an impressive catch that left everyone momentarily confused. After leaping to grab Kazuma Okamoto’s hit, Arozarena stood motionless on the track, hands on hips, while Okamoto circled the bases. It wasn’t until Arozarena finally showed he had caught the ball that the Mexico fans realized what had happened and erupted in celebration.
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