Japan stuns Mexico in WBC semifinal, will face USA for title

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MIAMI: A home run steal, a terrific pitch, a couple of momentum-crushing catches, a game-tying three-run homer, a punch and an ear-splitting noise and commotion — the semifinal of the World Classic Baseball between Mexico and Japan had it all, but it was Japan that ultimately prevailed in front of the 35,933 fans in the building.

Trailing by a run and its top three hitters out, Japan pulled away in the ninth inning to beat Mexico, 6-5, on Monday night at LoanDepot Park. Shohei Ohtani led off the inning with a leadoff double, then Masataka Yoshida drew a walk, and Munetaka Murami finally ended the back-and-forth game with a two-run double that sent the Japanese players flying into the field in a frenzy of celebration. . After the hysteria, Team Japan stood on the third-base line, took off their caps and bowed to the crowd.

Japan advanced to the WBC finals, where they will go head-to-head against defending champion Team USA on Tuesday night in Miami (7 p.m. ET, FS1).

Mexico vs. Japan Featured | 2023 Baseball World Classic Semifinals

Mexico vs.  Japan Featured |  2023 Baseball World Classic Semifinals

Deesha Thosar is an MLB writer for FOX Sports. She previously covered the Mets as a reporter for the New York Daily News. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar.





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