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The USA takes on Japan tonight in a battle for the World Baseball Classic Final. Japan is currently the only multi-time champion in WBC history, but that could change with a USA victory. Japan’s previous victories came in 2006 and 2009 while the USA won its first championship in 2007.
USA Feeling Invincible
The USA is coming into tonight’s game with confidence after beating Cuba 14-2 to advance into the championship.
Even though Cuba was able to record 12 hits on the night, pitcher Adam Wainwright was able to reel himself in. USA’s firepower handled the rest.
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This American squad rolls in with MVP winners Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Paul Goldschmidt, who all have contributed tremendously at the right time.
In the past two games, USA Baseball is hitting .382 with 23 runs, five doubles, one triple, and six home runs. They are hot.
Managed by Mark Derosa, the team hopes to make history.
Japan Wins Nail-bitter to Advance to WBC
On Monday Night, Japan won a thriller in Miami as they outlasted Mexico with a final score of 5-4.
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One of the best baseball players in the world, Shohei Ohtani, secured a leadoff double in the ninth inning, which set up a fortunate chain of events for Japan.
Mexico’s closer Giovanny Gallegos then gave up a walk and a crucial walk-off double to Japan third baseman Munetaka Murakami.
Japan is coming into the championship with the momentum of a close and exciting victory.
Players to Watch in WBC
Right-hander Merrill Kelly who plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks will get the start for the USA squad. Yu Darvish gets the start for Japan.
USA’s shortstop Trea Turner is on a tear coming into the championship game. He set a WBC record with two straight games of four RBIs.
Murakami has not played like himself throughout the tournament, but looks to be back on his regularly scheduled playstyle coming into tonight. The walk-off double could be a sign of more things to come from him.
In Addition, Ohtani relayed after Monday’s victory that he would be available to pitch in relief. However, it may be hard for him to get going in the bullpen when he is also a designated hitter.
How To Watch
FS1 at 7 p.m. ET.
The Spanish language broadcast is available on Fox Deportes.
Streams are available on foxsports.com, the Fox Sports app, and FuboTV.
