Japan defeated Mexico in the World Baseball Classic semi-final, securing a spot in the final against Team USA. Shohei Ohtani played a crucial role in Japan’s victory, getting hit by a pitch and reaching base on a single in the eighth and ninth innings. Japan tied the game in the bottom of the eighth inning and won in the bottom of the ninth on a walk-off double by Murakami. The game was a thrilling contest between two talented teams, with Mexico holding the lead for most of the game. However, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities and lost to Japan’s late rally. The top five most important keywords in the content are Ohtani, Japan, Mexico, World Baseball Classic, and Murakami.
Shohei Ohtani sparks Japan’s rally to beat Mexico in World Baseball Classic semi-final
Japan secured a spot in the World Baseball Classic final by defeating Mexico in a thrilling semi-final game. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Japan’s slugger, Murakami, hit a walk-off double to give his team the win. With runners on first and second, Japan had the tying run in scoring position to begin the inning. Mexico was leading 5-4, but Japan had their best hitters due up.
Japan’s heart of the order, Ohtani, Yoshida, and Murakami, faced Mexico’s pitcher, Gerardo Reyes. Ohtani started the rally by getting hit by a pitch. Yoshida followed up with a single, and both runners advanced with a sacrifice bunt. With one out and the tying run on second, Murakami hit a clutch double to win the game.
Earlier in the game, Mexico was leading 4-3, but Japan tied it up at 4-4. Mexico retook the lead, making it 5-4 in the top of the eighth inning. However, Japan refused to go down without a fight, loading the bases with no outs in the bottom of the eighth. Although they only managed to score one run, it was enough to tie the game and set up the dramatic ninth inning.
Mexico had several chances to score more runs, but they couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. In the top of the eighth, Paredes singled to left, but Meneses was thrown out at home trying to score. In the same inning, Mexico had two runners in scoring position with two outs, but they couldn’t bring them home.
Japan’s win was sparked by Ohtani, who is widely considered one of the best players in the world. He played a crucial role in both the eighth and ninth innings, getting hit by a pitch and reaching base on a single. With Ohtani’s heroics and Murakami’s walk-off hit, Japan secured a spot in the World Baseball Classic final. They will face Team USA in the championship game.
In summary, the game was a thrilling contest between two talented teams. Japan’s late rally and walk-off hit secured their place in the final, where they will face the United States. Ohtani’s performance was particularly impressive, and he will undoubtedly be a key player in the final.
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