Japan secured a spot in the World Baseball Classic Championship after defeating Mexico in a thrilling game. The game remained close throughout, with Mexico leading 5-4 heading into the bottom of the ninth. Japan started the inning with runners on first and second, and slugger Murakami hit a walk-off double to secure the win.
Shohei Ohtani played a crucial role in Japan’s late rally, helping bring Japan back into the game in the bottom of the eighth. Mexico attempted to retake the lead in the top of the ninth, but a clutch strikeout from Japan’s Kondoh kept the score tied.
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Japan Advances to the World Baseball Classic Championship with Late Rally Sparked by Shohei Ohtani
In an exciting matchup between Japan and Mexico, Japan secured a spot in the World Baseball Classic Championship against Team USA with a 6-5 win. The game remained close throughout, with Mexico leading 5-4 heading into the bottom of the ninth.
Japan started the inning with runners on first and second, and slugger Murakami due up. He hit a walk-off double to secure the win and advance Japan to the final.
Earlier in the game, Japan found themselves down 3-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh, but a late rally sparked by Shohei Ohtani helped bring Japan back into the game.
In the bottom of the eighth, Ohtani was hit by a pitch to start the inning, and then a single from Paredes and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases with nobody out. Meneses followed with a single to left, but pinch-runner Jarren Duran was thrown out at home to keep the score at 5-4.
However, Japan was not done yet. Yoshida reached base on a fielder’s choice, and then Murakami hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 5-5.
Mexico attempted to retake the lead in the top of the ninth, but a clutch strikeout from Japan’s Kondoh kept the score tied.
In the bottom of the ninth, Japan’s offense came alive. With runners on first and second, Murakami hit the walk-off double to secure the win and a spot in the championship against Team USA.
Overall, it was an exciting game with both teams putting up a strong fight. Japan’s late rally, sparked by the talent of Shohei Ohtani, helped secure their place in the championship game.
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