On Tuesday, Team USA and Team Japan will meet in the final of this year’s World Baseball Classic.
After being put on hold due to COVID-19 two years ago, the Classic made its triumphant return this year and it certainly has not disappointed thus far.
There have been some crazy moments, such as Trea Turner’s grand slam and Munetaka Murakami’s walk-off double.
But now, there is only one game left, and it all comes down to this.
Team USA and Japan will meet in the championship game for the first time in WBC history.
On Twitter, MLB Network insider Jon Morosi broke down the matchup that will take place on Tuesday.
News: Merrill Kelly confirmed as @USABaseball starter in the @WBCBaseball end today. Shota Imanaga will start for @samuraijapan_pr. First ever matchup of 🇺🇸 and 🇯🇵 in a WBC final. Let’s go, baseball world! @MLBNetwork @MLB @Dbacks
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 21, 2023
Team USA has announced that Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly will take the ball on Tuesday.
Team Japan will counter with left-hander Shota Imanaga.
Again, this will be the first time that Japan and the United States have met in a championship game.
On Sunday, Team USA followed up their dramatic comeback in the quarterfinals with a 14-2 blowout win over Team Cuba.
Team Japan’s path to the finals wasn’t quite as easy, as they fell into an early 3-0 hole and were forced to battle back.
After tying the game at three on Masataka Yoshida’s home run, Mexico rallied to take the lead, scoring twice in the top of the eighth.
Japan chipped away, but still entered the ninth down by a run.
However, the team rallied again and walked off Mexico on Murakami’s double.
It should be an exciting matchup for the championship game.
NEXT:
MLB Analysts Discuss Monday’s Wild World Baseball Classic Game
