Japan came from behind to beat Mexico 6-5 on Munetaka Murakami's sayonara two-run ninth-inning double in the World Baseball Classic semifinals Monday.

Trailing 5-4 in the ninth, Murakami, who had struggled through much of the tournament, drove a pitch to the wall in center at Miami's loanDepot park to send two-time champion Japan into Tuesday's final against the defending champion United States.

Munetaka Murakami hits a walk-off two-run double in the ninth inning of Japan's World Baseball Classic semifinal game against Mexico at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 20, 2023. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Munetaka Murakami (3rd from R) celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off two-run double in the ninth inning of Japan's World Baseball Classic semifinal game against Mexico at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 20, 2023. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Murakami, who was 0-for-4, blasted a high 1-1 fastball from St. Louis Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos.

"Having struck out three times, the thought of bunting in that situation crossed my mind, but the manager wanted me to swing, and I had a good feeling from my previous at-bat when I flied out," Murakami said.

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani sparked the rally with a leadoff double, taking off his helmet as he stormed to second base. He then roared and wildly gestured with his arms to urge his teammates on.

Masataka Yoshida followed with a walk, and the 2022 Triple Crown winner in Japan's Central League ended the wild game with one last thrill as Ohtani and pinch-runner Ukyo Shuto scored easily.

Shohei Ohtani reacts after hitting a double in the ninth inning of Japan's World Baseball Classic semifinal game against Mexico at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 20, 2023. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

"We knew it wasn't going to be an easy win," Ohtani said. "But no one thought it would be a game like this. I think Mune (Murakami) was really in a bind, but at the very last, he gave us a good at-bat. This is the best way to go into the final."

Mexico took a fourth-inning lead on Luis Urias' three-run home run off Roki Sasaki, but Japan tied it on Yoshida's three-run home run in the seventh.

Yoshida, a new Boston Red Sox outfielder, took his WBC-leading RBI total to a record 13.

Randy Arozarena, who robbed Japan of a fifth-inning leadoff homer, doubled and scored to spark a two-run eighth-inning rally that appeared to give the Mexicans a commanding late lead.

Japan got a run back in the eighth, but stranded two.

Japan's starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (14) reacts after giving up a three-run home run to Mexico's Luis Urias (3) in the fourth inning of their World Baseball Classic semifinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 20, 2023. (Kyodo)

Sasaki, who threw a perfect game in April 2022, allowed three runs and five hits in four innings before being relieved by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Pacific League MVP the last two seasons.

Mexico's starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval threw 4-1/3 scoreless innings, striking out six, including three in a row in the first.

The win sends Japan back to the final for the first time since 2009 after two consecutive semifinal exits. On Tuesday, lefty Shota Imanaga will start against the United States.

Manager Hideki Kuriyama said that depending on Ohtani's physical condition, he may be available to pitch in relief in the final.

"On the ultimate stage, we're facing the toughest opponents," Ohtani said. "I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. Naturally, it's going to be tense, but I want everyone to give their all with a strong desire to win whatever it takes."

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani doubled leading off the inning and Masataka Yoshida followed with a walk before the 2022 Triple Crown winner in Japan's Central League stepped to the plate.

Murakami, who was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, blasted a high 1-1 fastball from St. Louis Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos.

Mexico took a fourth-inning lead on Luis Urias' three-run home run off Roki Sasaki, but Japan tied it on Masataka Yoshida's three-run home run in the seventh.

Yoshida, a new Boston Red Sox outfielder, took his WBC-leading RBI total to 13.

Randy Arozarena, who robbed Japan of a fifth-inning leadoff homer, doubled and scored to spark a two-run eighth-inning rally that appeared to give the Mexicans a commanding late lead.

Japan got a run back in the eighth, but stranded two.

Sasaki, who threw a perfect game in April 2022, allowed three runs and five hits in four innings before being relieved by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Pacific League MVP the last two seasons.


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Baseball: Defending WBC champion Americans cruise into final


Masataka Yoshida hits a three-run home run in the seventh inning of Japan's World Baseball Classic semifinal game against Mexico at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 20, 2023. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Munetaka Murakami (R) is splashed with a sports drink by teammate Roki Sasaki after hitting a walk-off two-run double in the ninth inning of Japan's World Baseball Classic semifinal game against Mexico at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 20, 2023. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan supporters celebrate at a public viewing site in Tokyo on March 21, 2023, after Japan beat Mexico 6-5 in the World Baseball Classic semifinal game in Miami, Florida. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo