Mexico will fight with the talented Japan team in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic on Monday, marking the first time the Mexicans have ever reached this stage of the tournament.
They will have their work cut out for them if they want to advance to the final where they will face Cuba or the United States, the other two semi-finalists.
Japan they have some extremely talented players in their ranks, none other than Shohei Ohtani.
Japan is a historic baseball team that has repeatedly taken first place in the world rankings of the IBAF (International Baseball Federation).
As if that were not enough, it is worth mentioning that the Japanese were the winners of the World Baseball Classic in the first two editions, in 2006 and 2009.
Together, the Japanese have the ninth most runs, with 47; bases on balls, with 49; and stolen bases, with eight.
The Japanese jewels in the crown
Shohei Ohtani is undoubtedly a Japanese star. He shined on the mound against Italy and sent the Japanese to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic in Miami.
The pitcher had the fastest pitch of his career in the top of the second inning when he fanned Vinnie Pasquantino at 102 mph.
In the meantime, Kensuke Kondoh and Lars Nootbar have scored the most runs, along with Shohei Ohtani.
Also worth mentioning Masataka Yoshidawho signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the Boston Red Sox this offseason and is a great natural born player.
Munetaka Murakami has been awarded the Central League Most Valuable Player award two years in a row and is only 23 years old.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto considered the best pitcher in Japan, with two Sawamura Awards (the NPB’s equivalent of the Cy Young).
