With a sensational comeback, Japan defeated Mexico 6-5 on Monday to register its name in the Grand Final of the World Baseball Classic 2023.
The Asian giant will fight for the title against the USA this Tuesday, in their first final since they sealed the two-time championship in the 2009 edition.
A sensational reaction
Sensation Rocky Sasaki took the mound for Japan and put on a display of dominance and speed that wowed everyone in the first third of the game. However, Mexico managed to figure it out in the fourth inning and took the lead on a three-run home run by Luis Urias.
The Aztec starter Patrick Sandoval, for his part, silenced Japan for four and a third innings, in which he received just four hits and struck out six.
The World Series champion, José Urquidy, extended that dominance until the end of the sixth inning, thanks also to the sensational defense of Randy Arozarena.
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The Japanese were unable to react until the seventh inning, when Masataka Yoshida tied the score with a home run off Jojo Romero.
Mexico answered immediately and took the lead in the top of the eighth 5-3 on a double by Alex Verdugo and a single by Isaac Paredes. But that would not be enough.
Japan pulled one back in the eighth on Hotaka Yamatawa's fly ball and left everything set for an unforgettable ninth inning.
Shohei Ohtani led off with a double off closer Giovanny Gallegos, Yoshida drew a walk and Munetaka Murakami finished with a drive off the center-field wall.
Yoshida ended up being the highlight of the Japanese offense by finishing 4-for-3 with three RBIs. With a total of 13 trailers, he sets a new record in the Classic.
Taisei Ota, who withdrew the ninth scoreline from Mexico, was left with the victory. And Gallegos charged with the setback.
