Team Japan has been dominant in this World Baseball Classic so far. They won all their qualifying games en route to the quarterfinals, which they also won convincingly. Japan has had a great run, backed by their emphasis on team play. Furthermore, each one of their stars is focused on winning.
But in the semifinals, Japan faced Mexico in an epic showdown for the ages. It was a close game with excitement and big moments. But Japan came home with a clutch victory to book their place in the finals. Let’s see what fans think of this massive comeback victory.
Japan beat Mexico on a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth inning
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In the bottom of the 9th inning, it looked like Mexico was progressing to the World Baseball Classic Finals. But Japanese star Munetaka Murakami smashed a walk-off game-winning hit. This was a huge moment as Japan won it at the last second with a game-changing hit. The World Baseball Classic official Twitter account shared a Tweet stating that Japan won and made it to the finals.
Team Japan WALKS IT OFF and is back in the #WorldBaseballClassic finals! pic.twitter.com/yV3P8SHqSU
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 21, 2023
In the Tweet, they said, “Team Japan WALKS IT OFF and is back in the #WorldBaseballClassic finals!” There have been some truly clutch moments in the tournament thus far, but Japan might have created the biggest one.
Many fans have shared their reactions to the moment, and most baseball watchers are in shock.
Some fans were surprised by the incredible game.
Now THAT was a baseball game!
— Cool Rick (@Funk_003) March 21, 2023
DON’T EVER tell me baseball is boring again. WHAT A GAME
— Madison Mallards (@MadisonMallards) March 21, 2023
This was one great game between both Teams. Is baseball boring….no way! I knew this was going to be a great game. Congrats to Japan and tip your hats Mexico for a great WBC. 🇲🇽🇯🇵
— MagicMan (@calwestland19) March 21, 2023
Others congratulated team Japan.
Congrats Japan ‼️ 🇵🇷🤝🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/vvAxYEwrUg
— haniel (@hniel_) March 21, 2023
Japan!!!!! Amazing game.
Mexico, much like Venezuela celebrated way too early!! Don’t disrespect your opponent.
— Pedro J. (@PedroMart123) March 21, 2023
Congratulations to Japan, was spectacular game. Proud to lost this way with such a great team. 🇲🇽🤝🏼🇯🇵. Good luck in the final!!
— Levox (@4_masb) March 21, 2023
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This is just one of many big performances that team Japan has seen. Players like Shohei Ohtani and Masataka Yoshida have also been big performers for them in this Classic. But they cannot celebrate for too long with the finals days away.
Japan is set to take on Team USA in the World Baseball Classic Finals
The finalists that baseball fans have been waiting for are now set in stone. Japan will face team USA for the World Baseball Classic trophy, the ultimate global glory. It is hard to predict a winner, with both teams filled with star players. Furthermore, both teams are more determined than ever to take home the trophy.
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What do you think of Japan’s clutch victory over Mexico in the WBC semifinals? Will they beat Team USA for the trophy? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.