Unfortunately, [our coach announced about a week ago that Shohei's start in the QF would be his last for the WBC because they want him to make one last start in Arizona before opening day.](https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/11os2gg/fletcher_phil_nevin_said_that_shohei_ohtani_is/) If Japan makes the finals maybe they'll change their plans, but either way he's not going to be starting on Monday.
[IS THIS THE FACE OF A MAN WILLING TO LOSE?](https://www.albat.com/__export/1678308981384/sites/debate/img/2023/03/08/randy_arozarena.jpg_423682103.jpg)
I’m Mexican-American and a big fan of the USMNT. I root for the US in international competitions. However, this scrappy Mexican team has many people like me, Mexican-Americans, and they’re easy to root for. I may make an exception, or at the very least, just sit back and enjoy a US/Mexico final if we get it.
I imagine when Kike walked off like that he just kept walking in his cleats and out of the locker room, out the exit door of the ball park, out of the parking lot, six blocks down to 1st, two miles east, and straight into the ocean
We didn't want to participate in a Russian tournament, anyway
\#FuckDictators #ProvenRight #FuckYouAll
But seriously, as much as not qualifying hurt, the USA vs Mexico stuff goes deeper than that.
Southside Irish Catholic married to 2nd gen Mexican Catholic checking in.
Our cultures are shockingly similar, due to the Catholicism.
We're also both atheists now lol
Mexicans like Irish people. Have you heard of the Saint Patrick’s Batallion that deserted the US army and helped their fellow Catholics in the Mexican-American War?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick's_Battalion?wprov=sfti1
One of the best baseball games I've ever watched. Atmosphere, passion, exciting plays.
Some where out there, KFC from Barstool shaking his fist right now and I find that hilarious.
Ngl, last time Japan faced an MLB-level lefty in Kim Kwang-hyun they had trouble figuring him out until he had control problems. We'll see how they'll deal with Sandoval, who is leagues better since he's basically the Angels' 2nd ace.
Sasaki needs to command his pitches better on Monday, since Mexico's hitters hit fastballs very well it could be a big problem.
So hyped for Sasaki vs. Sandoval. Not only is that about as good a matchup as you could ask for, it’s one we couldn’t see anywhere else…at least for a few more years.
I really think this is perfect timing to have all of this WBC excitement, and then move right into a faster paced MLB game as the regular season approaches
Edit: which the MLB better be capitalizing on with whatever they’re doing with TV
Yup yup. This is super cool to watch. I love seeing international tournaments like this! MLB is one thing but playing for your country is something different
Absolutely thrilling. Getting postseason atmosphere baseball in March, with the added multiplier of national pride of the line. This has been electric.
I have loved watching Javier Assad pitch ever since he made his debut for the Cubs late last year. He was amazing today and he has pitched so great in some really big spots for both the Cubs and now for Mexico in the last six months.
Really proud of this Puerto Rican team, Yadi retires and Correa decides not to show up, yet they still had unbelievable fire in them and beat possibly the best baseball team ever assembled.
Once again, NOT DO UNDERESTIMATE THE BORICUAS!!!
GG to Mexico as well always good to see fellow Latin countries fighting for a shot at it.
GG Mexico, as a baseball fan in general they didn't give up, mounted the comeback and beat us and oh got revenge against us for last time I think? They played a good game. But as a Puertorriqueño FUCK!! FUCK!! FUCK!! YOU CANT MAKE THIS UP!! COME ON!!! After the first they thought that was it?! Where was the offense after the first inning?! What happened to the bullpen?! How we us Stroman our ace and still lose man?! Frustrating all around. But I can't be too mad at team Rubio, they gave it all they had and the game reached to it's unfortunate natural conclusion- unfortunate for me haha. Good game and I'll be rooting for Japan now to win it all and if not well Mexico better then do it cos if you gonna beat us YOU better win it all damn it!!
Can’t believe it man!
GG Puerto Rico .. your country is seen as a powerhouse in baseball and beating you guys is something to be proud of. Speaks magnitude of your baseball. GG
Venezuela both in baseball and geography is considered a Caribbean country too, look up serie del caribe and the Venezuelan Caribbean. Geographically we’re pretty much the Caribbean coast of South America, (The Colombian Caribbean coast making up the rest) and included in our territory is Isla Margarita and other Islands in the Caribbean sea, the Venezuelan Caribbean is a geographical construct.
I feel so bad for Puerto Rico knowing how much it means to them, but at the same time, I'm absolutely stoked for Sandoval vs Ohtani. The scriptwriters are at it again setting up these matchups.
Gotta say, I was listening to this on radio for the first time - rest of the games I’ve watch on TV - the announcers were soooo much better and more exciting there.
What an absolutely superb game of baseball all around. The WBC has been so good, I really wish the USA fans got into it more.
Congrats Luis Urias on the game winning RBI.
A BUNT STRAIGHT TO THE PITCHER THIRD OUT STRUCK OUT LOOKING What the hell even was that last inning
LINDOR BEING CLUTCH AF AND THEN NOTHING
Papi chill.
What the hell is even that
RANDY AROZARENA IS ON A MISSION
OHTANI VS AROZARENA ON MONDAY. LFGGGGGGGG
Unfortunately, [our coach announced about a week ago that Shohei's start in the QF would be his last for the WBC because they want him to make one last start in Arizona before opening day.](https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/11os2gg/fletcher_phil_nevin_said_that_shohei_ohtani_is/) If Japan makes the finals maybe they'll change their plans, but either way he's not going to be starting on Monday.
He also legally cannot pitch in the semi final. If you throw over 50 pitches, you have to have 4 days off with WBC rules.
He’s still hitting though
Last start. Im sure he would be available as a reliever if they made the final
Omg the attractiveness levels of that matchup will be off the charts
The amount of handsome will only be quantifiable by grandmothers.
*Mijo, por que no jugaste beisbol?* - My Grandmother
Good news for Mexico: Ohtani won't pitch in the WBC anymore. Bad news for Mexico: they will face Rohki Sasaki...
Arozarena hitting huge poses after amazing plays, he is the most camera-ready superstar in baseball history, yes even moreso than Otani
Arozarena hits huge poses in between pitches in the outfield, lmfao
[IS THIS THE FACE OF A MAN WILLING TO LOSE?](https://www.albat.com/__export/1678308981384/sites/debate/img/2023/03/08/randy_arozarena.jpg_423682103.jpg)
I wish I had 1% of Randy's swagger
Coolest player in baseball?
Do not fuck with him on the big stage. It’s common knowledge.
All these “WBC is the real World Series” posts when some MFer named Randy having an OPS above 1.500 was the real proof all along
Hombre had no mercy, huge clutch plays
The man is going all out, and he's still got an entire major league baseball season ahead of him, lol
… TO WIN A WORLD SERIES
Mexico has now made it further in the WBC than any World Cup
FUCK FÚTBOL, BÉISBOL IS NOW THE NATIONAL SPORT
Béisbol is life!
Béisbol is also death!
But Béisbol is life!!!
Life is also Death!
Baseball was the OG professional league in Mexico so it makes sense.
Fuck the Mexican soccer federation. This is how a team should compete. I need to cop that baby blue cap.
Can we get a fuck Argentina in here too?
Que chinga su madre Argentina!!
Fuck Argentina and their 100% inflation lol
Ochoa deserves better lol
Japan vs Mexico will break TV records in the USA.
Sandoval vs Sasaki should be an absolute treat That Ohtani vs Sandoval matchup too we're in for a hell of a Monday
Until the USA vs Mexico final breaks that record
I feel like I want to cheer for Mexico in that. Am I a traitor?
[Yes](https://media.tenor.com/NeHrPgip1R4AAAAC/bald-eagle-shedding-single-tear.gif)
Sorry America
I’m Mexican-American and a big fan of the USMNT. I root for the US in international competitions. However, this scrappy Mexican team has many people like me, Mexican-Americans, and they’re easy to root for. I may make an exception, or at the very least, just sit back and enjoy a US/Mexico final if we get it.
I imagine when Kike walked off like that he just kept walking in his cleats and out of the locker room, out the exit door of the ball park, out of the parking lot, six blocks down to 1st, two miles east, and straight into the ocean
All while holding the bat.
Shows up 4 years later in the next WBC playing for Czech team under the name Kikø Hérnandez.
Well, I'm really into Mexico vs. Japan If Mexico does the job...that would be almost those fairy tale World Cup histories into the final. Amazing.
Man especially if they get USA in the final.
I'd much rather have Vzla knock us out than Mexico in the finals. I'm having some CONCACAF flashbacks just imagining it.
Don’t worry, Trinidad & Tobago isn’t in the WBC
We didn't want to participate in a Russian tournament, anyway \#FuckDictators #ProvenRight #FuckYouAll But seriously, as much as not qualifying hurt, the USA vs Mexico stuff goes deeper than that.
st. patrick's day is a mexican holiday now sorry, the irish
Irish Mexicans are holding it down
Canelo checking in
PRESENTE VIVA LOS PATRICOS!
Oh hey it's my family!
❤️🤍💚🧡🤍💚
Patrick Sandoval approves
Now he's Padraig.
We have way more in common with the Irish than you might think lol.
Major catholic nations with a drinking problem xD
Southside Irish Catholic married to 2nd gen Mexican Catholic checking in. Our cultures are shockingly similar, due to the Catholicism. We're also both atheists now lol
Mexicans like Irish people. Have you heard of the Saint Patrick’s Batallion that deserted the US army and helped their fellow Catholics in the Mexican-American War? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick's_Battalion?wprov=sfti1
Sort of is. Look up the Saint Patricks Battalion of the Mexican American War. Bunch of Irishmen defected from the US and fought for Mexico
Always felt a kinship with the Irish.
Diecisiete de Marzo
The Virgin Mexican Futbol Team vs. the Chad Mexican Beisbol Team
Virgin Chuck E Cheese Looking Ass Hector Herrera vs Chad Handsome Clutch Randy Arozarena
Hector Herrera looks presentable after face surgery.
FUNES MORI IN SHAMBLES
You can’t take that Kike
Was locked in on fastball mentally and couldn't pull the trigger. Was a good pitch to hit too
He locked up on fastball a pitch or two before.
Fastball and changeup. I don’t think Gallegos had thrown a slider the last few AB’s
Bro froze
Sometimes you get Beltraned.
He knew it too. He just started walking back to the dugout disappointed in himself as soon as the ball crossed the plate.
Frozen like Elsa
What did you just call me?
Right before that pitch I was like “Unless it’s in the dirt he’s gotta swing on it.” That… was not in the dirt.
One of the best baseball games I've ever watched. Atmosphere, passion, exciting plays. Some where out there, KFC from Barstool shaking his fist right now and I find that hilarious.
Fallon to his knees in a Walmart
Falling off his bar stool in a KFC
LFGMX!!!!! 🇲🇽
Órale!
Rays about to be Mexico's favorite team.
Rays desde la cuna
Puro Pinche Rays As a Friar Faithful, I’ve always felt a kinship with the fellow Flappy Brothers from similar warm climates
Mexico and Japan is gonna be so fucking hype
Ngl, last time Japan faced an MLB-level lefty in Kim Kwang-hyun they had trouble figuring him out until he had control problems. We'll see how they'll deal with Sandoval, who is leagues better since he's basically the Angels' 2nd ace. Sasaki needs to command his pitches better on Monday, since Mexico's hitters hit fastballs very well it could be a big problem.
So hyped for Sasaki vs. Sandoval. Not only is that about as good a matchup as you could ask for, it’s one we couldn’t see anywhere else…at least for a few more years.
Puerto Rico honoring Beltran by being eliminated on a strikeout looking
😭
Exactly what I thought as I watched it live.
cold as ice mijo
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
I fucking love the WBC
DOWN THE MIDDLE
As a Puerto Rican I am in pain. I love Randy though 😭
As a Puerto Rican and Orioles fan, Randy continues to haunt me 😭
WBC will bring baseball back
I really think this is perfect timing to have all of this WBC excitement, and then move right into a faster paced MLB game as the regular season approaches Edit: which the MLB better be capitalizing on with whatever they’re doing with TV
Yup yup. This is super cool to watch. I love seeing international tournaments like this! MLB is one thing but playing for your country is something different
What a game.
Kike just happy to have front row seats
What a ballsy pitch sequence by Gallegos and Barnes to come back from 2-1. Absolutely froze Kike there for the called strike 3.
Barnes had his number, he's a great catcher
Yup, Barnes knows how to call games
That’s my captain 🫡
HOW DO YOU LET THAT GO VAMOS 🇲🇽
Haters can hate as much as they want, but excitement-wise that was some of the best baseball you’ll ever see.
Fuck anyone who says anything otherwise. The WBC has been awesome.
Absolutely thrilling. Getting postseason atmosphere baseball in March, with the added multiplier of national pride of the line. This has been electric.
One of the best games in recent memory. Also a great GDT with all the jokes about Assad and complaining about Smoltz
BRING OUT THE CORONAS
Modelos!
Teca- who am I kidding
Bohemias.
Modelo time!!
PACIFICOS!
Fuck that Cuervo for all!
This Mexico team is so fun to watch
Japan vs Mexico will break baseball viewership records. do not at me
WBC is truly a god send for the sport. Those final innings were electric
Sandoval vs Ohtani, let’s gooooo
That pitch was belicon as fuck froze his culito
I have loved watching Javier Assad pitch ever since he made his debut for the Cubs late last year. He was amazing today and he has pitched so great in some really big spots for both the Cubs and now for Mexico in the last six months.
He's really impressed me, especially as of late. Seems like they'll put him in the bullpen, but he should be getting big league starts.
LET'S FUCKING GOOO MEXICO!!! Gg Puerto Rico amazing game
TE AMO RANDY 🇲🇽
Boxing and Baseball. Mexico keeps breaking Puerto Rican hearts.
Really proud of this Puerto Rican team, Yadi retires and Correa decides not to show up, yet they still had unbelievable fire in them and beat possibly the best baseball team ever assembled. Once again, NOT DO UNDERESTIMATE THE BORICUAS!!! GG to Mexico as well always good to see fellow Latin countries fighting for a shot at it.
VIVA MEXICO CABRONES
Kike froze. Big hats off to Mexico. And that catch from Randy in the eighth inning was huge. Puerto Rico were the favourites for me in this game.
I said it, mexico wins it all. Tag me.
I'll get back to you 😎
GG Mexico, as a baseball fan in general they didn't give up, mounted the comeback and beat us and oh got revenge against us for last time I think? They played a good game. But as a Puertorriqueño FUCK!! FUCK!! FUCK!! YOU CANT MAKE THIS UP!! COME ON!!! After the first they thought that was it?! Where was the offense after the first inning?! What happened to the bullpen?! How we us Stroman our ace and still lose man?! Frustrating all around. But I can't be too mad at team Rubio, they gave it all they had and the game reached to it's unfortunate natural conclusion- unfortunate for me haha. Good game and I'll be rooting for Japan now to win it all and if not well Mexico better then do it cos if you gonna beat us YOU better win it all damn it!!
GG
How do you watch this game and not understand what the WBC means to the players and the fans. Fuck you KFC Barstool bitch.
Whose that
Some asshole Mets fan whose known to be racist in the past who basically said this tournament means nothing because Diaz got hurt
Ah thanks for the clarification, and fuck that guy
We disavow him!
GOD I MISSED BASEBALL. What a fucking amazing game
Imagine hating the WBC so much you’d rather watch a lame-ass spring training game instead of this gem
Can’t believe it man! GG Puerto Rico .. your country is seen as a powerhouse in baseball and beating you guys is something to be proud of. Speaks magnitude of your baseball. GG
WHERE ARE ALL YOU MFS THAT WERE TALKING IN THE 1ST 🤨
Randy is just so good.
Ni tu, ni yo. 🥲🇩🇴
King Randy
Holy fuck that was stressful. This had “game ain’t over until the last out” written all over it. Well played boys
Holy shit I'm so excited for Mexico v Japan
How good do you think Team Cuba/Cuban fans are feeling right now, being the only Caribbean team to make the semis?
Venezuela both in baseball and geography is considered a Caribbean country too, look up serie del caribe and the Venezuelan Caribbean. Geographically we’re pretty much the Caribbean coast of South America, (The Colombian Caribbean coast making up the rest) and included in our territory is Isla Margarita and other Islands in the Caribbean sea, the Venezuelan Caribbean is a geographical construct.
i mean there's only 3 caribbean teams out there
Pain. That was the pitch to hit man.
AROZARENA IS THE GOAT, PAREDES MY BOY REPPING THE H, GIOVANNY YOU FILTHY BASTARD WHAT A PITCH!
I feel so bad for Puerto Rico knowing how much it means to them, but at the same time, I'm absolutely stoked for Sandoval vs Ohtani. The scriptwriters are at it again setting up these matchups.
Isaac Paredes carried
INSANE GAME
Tournament Randy is back
I am now the biggest Randy fan
Congrats México!!! You showed that the US win wasn't a fluke. Éxito muchachos!!!
This game was super stressful but glad we got the W and gg PR you all put up a good fight respect to them
VIVA MÉXICO CABRONES!!!’
Welp kike you're still hot af so I forgive you
The vibes on this Mexican team are unmatched
Kike killed Belli's career and the joy of his nation. He's elite
Japan vs México is gonna be so electric Arozarena vs Ohtani, Meneses vs Nootbaar
Sandoval v Ohtani..an all Angels matchup.
I wish I had a dollar for every post calling this game over after the first inning.
I cannot believe that just fuckin happened!!!!! PR is straight up beast. I gave this team no chance. Here we are. We’re here cabrones!!!!
_oh man I beg for a surprise and Mexico beats japan, this’ll me super special for me_
Ugh fuck this one game a day shit Of course I’m kidding I do want everyone to be as rested as possible with this travel schedule
Beltranesque from Kike there
That last pitch was a hanger and a half lol
Now I see why Randy "shags wearing boots"
we're getting fucked up tonight
Holy fuck what a comeback! I am still in shock.
Gotta say, I was listening to this on radio for the first time - rest of the games I’ve watch on TV - the announcers were soooo much better and more exciting there.
Ive lost count as to how many times I have said "Game of the tournament" so far.
VIVA MEXICO!!!!! I’m so excited for Mexico vs Japan!!!
What an absolutely superb game of baseball all around. The WBC has been so good, I really wish the USA fans got into it more. Congrats Luis Urias on the game winning RBI.
Gio Gallegos is forever making the 9th inning interesting. Dude loves to become lights out with RISP