Japan rallied from behind twice to defeat Mexico 6‑5 on Monday, securing a spot in the World Baseball Classic final against the United States. Munetaka Murakami delivered a two‑run double in the bottom of the ninth, turning a 5‑4 deficit into a victory and sending Japan to Tuesday’s championship game in Miami. The Japanese team is chasing a record third WBC title after winning in 2006 and 2009, and they have been the tournament’s most consistent side, averaging more than nine runs per game en route to the semifinal.
The game at Miami’s LoanDepot Park featured a thrilling duel, with Mexico appearing poised for an upset for long stretches. Los Angeles Angels pitcher Patrick Sandoval stifled Japan’s potent offense through the first four innings. In the fourth, however, Mexico broke the game open: after two outs, Japan’s prodigy Roki Sasaki allowed consecutive singles to Rowdy Tellez and Isaac Paredes, and Luis Urias followed with a homer to left‑center, giving Mexico a 3‑0 lead.
Houston Astros pitcher José Urquidy replaced Sandoval in the fifth and navigated a bases‑loaded jam to keep Japan scoreless. He faced another bases‑loaded situation in the sixth, again preventing Japan from scoring. Mexico’s resistance finally cracked in the bottom of the seventh when Boston Red Sox newcomer Masataka Yoshida hit a three‑run shot to tie the game at 3‑3, reviving Japan’s hopes.
Mexico responded in the eighth inning. Randy Arozarena doubled to lead off and later scored on an Alex Verdugo double. A single by Isaac Paredes put Mexico ahead 5‑3, forcing Japan to chase once more. Hotaka Yamakawa’s sacrifice fly brought Takumo Nakano home, narrowing the gap to 5‑4 heading into the ninth.
After a scoreless top of the ninth for Mexico, Japan’s golden boy Shohei Ohtani sparked the comeback. Ohtani doubled off Giovanny Gallegos, keeping Japan alive, and the pressure mounted on the Mexican pitcher as Yoshida walked and was replaced by pinch‑runner Ukyo Shuto. Murakami then delivered a decisive double to center field, allowing Ohtani and Shuto to sprint home for a dramatic walk‑off win.
Comments are closed for this story.