Japan Down USA To Win World Baseball Classic For Third Time
Muhammad Irfan Published March 22, 2023 | 08:20 AM
Miami, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Mar, 2023 ) :Japan defeated the United States 3-2 on Tuesday to win the World Baseball Classic for a record third time.
Home runs from Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto helped put Japan ahead before superstar Shohei Ohtani closed out the win from the mound in the ninth inning.
It is Japan's third victory in the baseball showpiece following wins in 2006 and 2009.
The star-studded United States, defending champions after winning the last edition of the tournament in 2017, were left ruing their inability to get on top of Japan's pitchers at Miami's LoanDepot Park.
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner blasted the host nation into a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning with a solo shot to left field.
But Japan hit back immediately with Murakami - the hero of Japan's walkoff win over Mexico in Monday's semi-final - launching a home run to right center field in the bottom of the second off US starter Merrill Kelly.
Kelly's problems were only just beginning, with the Arizona right-hander giving up singles to Okamoto and cbefore walking Yuhei Nakamura to load the bases.
That prompted US skipper Mark DeRosa to pull Kelly off the mound, with Aaron Loup brought in to get out of the jam.
Loup managed to emerge from the situation relatively unscathed, with Japan picking up just one more run for a 2-1 lead after Lars Nootbaar grounded out to score Okamoto.
Japan extended their lead in the bottom of the fourth when Okamoto crushed a fly ball to left field off US reliever Kyle Freeland to make it 3-1.
The Americans threatened to haul themselves back into contention in the fifth, but left Mookie Betts and Nolan Arenado stranded on base.
It was a similar story in the top of the seventh when Jeff McNeil took a leadoff walk before Betts singled to leave US runners on first and second with no outs.
Once again though the US were unable to cash in, with Mike Trout lining out to right fielder Kensuke Kondoh before a double-play ended the inning.
Japan manager Hideki Kuriyama turned to Yu Darvish to lock it down in the eighth.
But after getting rid of Arenado the San Diego Padres pitcher was jolted by a monster home run from Kyle Schwarber, who launched a fly ball into the upper tiers to make it a one-run game.
Devin Williams went scoreless through the eighth inning, setting up a dream final inning with Ohtani pitching to close out the game.
The Los Angeles Angels two-way started nervously by walking McNeil but Betts grounded into a double play to leave Japan just one out from victory.
That left Ohtani needing to dispose of Angels team-mate Mike Trout to clinch victory, and the US captain struck out swinging to end the game.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Rock-solid Ruud racks up season-leading win in Barcelona
At UN, Iran says it will make Israel 'regret' reprisals
G7 hears calls for 'critical' Ukraine aid
EU seeks to leverage might to confront China, US challenge
5 Customs officials martyred as their vehicle ambushed by terrorists in D I Khan
Pak-New Zealand match called off due to rain
NHA restores traffic on roads affected by recent rains in Balochistan
China to fully support Pakistan's efforts against terrorism: Ambassador Jiang
U.S. envoy calls on Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
Poland arrests man over suspected plan to kill Zelensky
EU wants to ease youth movement to and from UK
Police foils attempt of supply mainpuri raw material
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
4 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
7 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
10 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
11 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
12 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
12 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
12 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
14 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
14 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
19 days ago