Mexico took on Japan in the semifinals of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Mexico’s Luis Urias hit a three-run home run in the 4th inning to give Mexico a 3-0 lead. Japan’s Masataka Yoshida hit a three-run home run to tie the game 3-3 in the seventh inning. Mexico quickly responded with Alex Verdugo’s RBI double and Isaac Paredes’ RBI single, to put Mexico ahead 5-3 in the top of the eight inning. Japan’s Hotaka Yamakawa hit a sacrifice fly to bring Japan within one in the bottom of the eight, 5-4. Finally, in the bottom of the ninth Munetaka Murakami hit a two-run double to give Japan a 6-5 walk-off win over Mexico. This instant WBC classic sent Japan to the championship against USA.
