Team Japan celebrates on the field after winning the game with a walk-off double from Japan third base Munetaka Murakami Mar 20, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Team Japan celebrates on the field after winning the game with a walk-off double from Japan third base Munetaka Murakami (55) during the ninth inning against Mexico at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Well, that was fun.

It was one of those games. Strong pitching, back-and-forth offensive displays to keep things interesting, Randy Arozarena being Randy Arozarena, and ending with something scripted from a storybook.

It was the bottom of the ninth inning when Shohei Ohtani stepped up to the plate on Monday night. With “Japan” scribed across his chest in the World Baseball Classic semifinals against Team Mexico, he hit a double to center field.

Outfielder Masataka Yoshida walked in the next at-bat. That’s when Munetaka Murakami doubled on a sharp fly ball to center field to score Ohtani and Ukyo Shuto.

In the end, sending Japan to the finals to play Team USA.

The celebration had Team Japan acting accordingly.

Up to this point, Japan hadn’t led until that winning run crossed the plate.

The game began with 21-year-old Japanese flame thrower Roki Sasaki who hurled pitches over 100 mph without flinching.

That’s what started it all.

The excitement of the game had even Mexico’s manager, Benji Gil saying, “Japan advances, but the world of baseball won tonight.”

As for the matchup on Tuesday, Ohtani will face Los Angeles Angels teammate, Mike Trout. The duo has four American League MVP Awards and 12 All-Star selections between the two of them.

The starters haven’t been announced yet, but after the game, Ohtani did tell Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, he’s prepared to pitch in the game, but will be concentrating on hitting first.

[image: Cut4, Twitter]

About Jessica Kleinschmidt

Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.