Mexico defeated Puerto Rico 5-4 in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals for the first time in its history. Luis Urías’ go-ahead single in a three-run seventh inning secured the win for Mexico. Isaac Paredes’ home run against Marcus Stroman contributed to Mexico’s five hits off Puerto Rico’s starter. Puerto Rico, who finished second in the past two WBCs, had previously turned in an all-time performance against Israel with an eight-inning perfect game in pool play. Mexico won group C with a 3-1 record in pool play and will face Japan in the semifinals.
Mexico secured a 5-4 victory over Puerto Rico, advancing to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic for the first time in its history. Mexico’s comeback victory was fueled by a three-run seventh inning, highlighted by Luis Urías’ go-ahead single. Isaac Paredes, who homered earlier, tied the game at 4 with a single off Puerto Rico’s losing pitcher, Alexis Díaz, that drove in Austin Barnes and Randy Arozarena. Mexico will face Japan and Shohei Ohtani in the semifinals on Monday. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico failed to make it past the second round for the first time. Puerto Rico started strong, with Javier Baez and Eddie Rosario hitting home runs off Mexico starter Julio Urías in a four-run first inning. However, Mexico’s pitching adjustments kept Puerto Rico scoreless for the rest of the game, allowing Mexico to make their comeback. The sellout crowd of 35,817 at loanDepot park in Miami cheered when New York Mets star closer Edwin Díaz’s jersey appeared on the Jumbotron. Diaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee while celebrating Puerto Rico’s quarterfinals-clinching victory over the Dominican Republic on Wednesday.
Isaac Paredes hit a home run against Marcus Stroman, contributing to Mexico’s five hits off Puerto Rico’s starter. Stroman allowed three singles in the fifth inning, one of which resulted in a run for Mexico, bringing the score to 4-2. Puerto Rico, the second-place finisher in the previous two WBCs, had a remarkable performance earlier in the tournament, with its pitchers delivering an eight-inning perfect game against Israel in pool play. Mexico won group C with a 3-1 record in pool play.
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