Japan won their semifinal game of the World Baseball Classic against Mexico in electric fashion, and the radio call matched the moment.
Japan vs. Mexico lived up to the billing. Randy Arozarena challenged Japan prior to the game, but was met with nothing but respect by Shohei Ohtani, Masataka Yoshida, Lars Nootbaar and the entire team.
Most players with major-league experience knew Arozarena’s comments — suggesting the Mexico could manage good at-bats against Roki Sasaki and secure a victory — were not meant as a shot at the WBC squad itself.
A great game deserves and end to match, and sadly one team had to go home empty-handed. As Mexico manager Benji Gil said after the game — while his team did lose by a run, baseball won on Monday night.
The Japanese TV call of Munetaka Murakami’s game-winning hit is one for the ages.
World Baseball Classic: Listen to Munetaka Murakami’s game-winning hit
Shohei Ohtani and Co. did not score until the bottom of the seventh frame. The 2-5 spots in the order managed eight hits in the game, headlining an impressive late-game offensive showing from Hideki Kuriyama’s squad.
In the bottom of the ninth, Ohtani hit a lead-off double, which was followed by a walk from one of the newest members of the Boston Red Sox, Masataka Yoshida. Ukyo Shuto pinch ran for Yoshida, which was a wise decision by Kuriyama, considering Munetaka Murakami hit a double in the very next at-bat.
Ohtani was a sure bet to score, but Yoshida would’ve been a far closer play at the plate than Shuto, who crossed home plate with relative ease.
For those who say the World Baseball Classic doesn’t mean anything, perhaps such replays will convince you otherwise. While some Americans are still wrapping their heads around the timing of the tournament, internationally the WBC is beloved, and a chance to see any country’s greatest stars.