Unrelenting, Japan plays a perfect strategic game of baseball to defeat Mexico, 6-5

By domnael on March 21, 2023 7:25 am

The stand-out player of the game, left fielder, Randy Arozarena of Mexico catches a ball hit by Japan's Kensuke Kondoh during the fifth inning. Photo courtesy of Wilfredo Lee and AP.
Japanese players rejoice after playing a perfect game of strategic baseball against Mexico in a semi-final of the World Baseball Classic on Monday in Miami, Florida. . Photo by Wilfredo Lee of the Associated Press.
After trailing Mexico for most of the game, Team Japan celebrates by defeating Mexico 6 - 5 in the bottom of the 9th inning of the World Baseball Classic on March 20, 2023, in Miami. Photo by Wilfredo Lee of the AP.
Japan players celebrate after beating Mexico 6-5 in a semi-final of the World Baseball Classic on Monday, March 20, 2023, in Miami. Photo by Wilfredo Lee of The AP.
Japanese fans celebrate in Tokyo while watching a live stream of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) semifinal between Japan and Mexico on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 Photo by Eugene Hoshiko of The AP.
Japan's Masataka Yoshida (34) ties the game after hitting a homer that scored runners Kensuke Kondoh and Shohei Ohtani during the seventh inning in the semi-final WBC. Photo Wilfredo Lee of the AP.

Last updated on March 25, 2023

MIAMI – Mexico jumped ahead of Team Japan 0 – 3 early in the second semi-final of the World Baseball Classic.

Inning after inning, the Japanese were close to overtaking the Mexicans. At times, they had bases loaded or runners on second and third, but the winner of two previous WBC titles was unable to drive past the tough Mexican defense, especially left-fielder, Randy Arozarena.

In the end, the posturing of Team Mexico wasn’t enough. The Japanese played a perfectly strategic game. Bunts, sacrifice flys, and an ultimate three-run homer by Yoshida tied the game. In the bottom of the 9th, Murakami stepped up to the plate and delivered a walk-off, two-run double to push the Japanese team ahead of Mexico, 6-5.

The fans were ecstatic.

Tonight, Team U.S.A plays Team Japan in what is sure to be an exciting game. Both teams have won two baseball world titles.

Published in Sports, U.S. and World

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