US Advances To WBC Semifinals With Dramatic Walk-Off Win
US Advances To WBC Semifinals With Dramatic Walk-Off Win...
The United States secured a spot in the World Baseball Classic semifinals with a thrilling 6-5 walk-off victory over Japan early Thursday morning at loanDepot Park in Miami. The game ended at 1:37 AM ET after a 10th-inning RBI single by Kyle Schwarber scored Mookie Betts, capping a back-and-forth battle that lasted 4 hours and 42 minutes.
Team USA's win comes at a crucial moment in the tournament, eliminating the defending champion Japanese squad and setting up a Saturday showdown against the Dominican Republic. The game trended nationally as fans stayed up late watching the dramatic conclusion, with #WBC2023 peaking at No. 2 on Twitter in the U.S. during the final innings.
Manager Mark DeRosa's squad overcame a 3-0 deficit after Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani blasted a 448-foot home run in the third inning. The U.S. responded with home runs from Trea Turner and J.T. Realmuto before Schwarber's game-winning hit. MLB Network reported record overnight ratings for the 12:30 AM ET portion of the broadcast.
The victory ensures the Americans will play in Monday's championship game if they defeat the Dominican team. This marks Team USA's third consecutive WBC semifinal appearance as they seek to defend their 2017 title. Players celebrated by dousing Schwarber with Gatorade in an impromptu clubhouse celebration broadcast live on Instagram.
Ticket prices for Saturday's semifinal at loanDepot Park surged 300% on secondary markets within an hour of the game's conclusion. The matchup will feature a marquee pitching duel between the U.S.'s Lance Lynn and the Dominican Republic's Sandy Alcantara. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET with Fox Sports carrying the national broadcast.
Baseball analysts note this year's WBC has drawn unprecedented attention in the U.S., with attendance records broken at multiple venues. The tournament's growth reflects MLB's successful efforts to globalize the sport while showcasing elite talent during spring training. Commissioner Rob Manfred called it "the most competitive WBC ever" during a seventh-inning interview.
