Randy Arozarena doubled to lead off and then scored when Alex Verdugo doubled.Ī Paredes single put Mexico up 5-3 and Japan were again chasing the game. Yet Mexico responded well to start the eighth. Urquidy emerged unscathed from another bases-loaded situation in the sixth to frustrate Japan again.īut Mexico's resistance finally broke in the bottom of the seventh.īoston Red Sox new signing Masataka Yoshida smashed a three-run shot to tie it up at 3-3 and Japan were back in it. The Houston Astros' Jose Urquidy replaced Sandoval in the fifth and navigated a bases-loaded jam to keep Japan scoreless. Mexico meanwhile broke the game wide open in the fourth.Īfter bagging two outs, Japan prodigy Roki Sasaki gave up singles to Rowdy Tellez and Isaac Paredes on successive pitches before Luis Urias blasted a homer to left centerfield to put Mexico ahead 3-0. The Asian powerhouses have been the most consistent side in this year's tournament, averaging more than nine runs per game en route to Monday's semi-final.īut for long periods it looked as if Mexico were ready to score an upset.Ī superb pitching performance from the Los Angeles Angels' Patrick Sandoval stymied Japan's vaunted offensive power through the first four innings. Japan are chasing a record third World Baseball Classic crown after winning the tournament in 20. I think that Japan moves on, but the world of baseball won today.'

'Neither team deserved to lose, but someone had to win. 'We have to take off our hats to the Japanese team,' said Mexico manager Benji Gil. Japan, who had trailed 3-0 and 5-3 during Monday's semi, now advance to a mouthwatering final against the star-studded USA in Miami on Tuesday. Munetaka Murakami drove in a walk-off two-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning after Japan superstar Shohei Ohtani launched a late rally that capped a thrilling duel at Miami's LoanDepot Park. Japan came from behind twice to defeat Mexico 6-5 on Monday and set up a World Baseball Classic final showdown with the United States. Japan's players celebrate a thrilling 6-5 win over Mexico in the World Baseball Classic semi-finals AFP

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