Lars Nootbaar rejoices as Team Japan defeats Mexico to set up World Baseball Classic title clash with Team USA

World Baseball Classic Pool B: Japan v Australia
World Baseball Classic Pool B: Japan v Australia: TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 12: Lars Nootbaar #23 of Japan applauds fans in the first inning during the World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Japan and Australia at Tokyo Dome on March 12, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

Team Japan's outfielder Lars Nootbar was over the moon after his team defeated Mexico 6-5 to advance to the World Baseball Classic final with a walk-off victory.

"Crazy game, man. Crazy emotions. It's good to be on top though," said Lars Nootbar, as he joined the FOX Sports set with Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz.
"Lars Nootbaar joins the set to recap Japan's insane walk-off winner." - FOX Sports: MLB

Japan halted Mexico's illustrious tournament run in a stellar stunt that will undeniably go down in World Baseball Classic history. Next, on Tuesday night, they will compete against Team USA for the WBC championship (7 p.m. ET on FS1). Shota Imanaga is expected to start in that game.

Shohei Ohtani is hell-bent on winning the 2023 World Baseball Classic title for Team Japan

World Baseball Classic Semifinals: Shohei Ohtani #16 hits a double in the ninth inning against Team Mexico during the World Baseball Classic Semifinals
World Baseball Classic Semifinals: Shohei Ohtani #16 hits a double in the ninth inning against Team Mexico during the World Baseball Classic Semifinals

Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, who is playing for the first time in WBC, is eyeing the championship title.

“Obviously, it’s a big accomplishment to get to the championship series, but there’s a huge difference between getting first and second,” said Ohtani, who jump started Japan’s ninth-inning rally with a leadoff double. “I’m going to do all I can to get first place.”
"High emotions, high energy, and an extreme amount of high-fives for a finals-bound Shohei Ohtani." - Cut 4

Previously, Japan won the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009.

This should be a tremendous final and fans can't wait to see who will come out on top. This will be as exciting a final as one could ask for and it will be interesting to see who takes the championship.

Click here for 2023 MLB Free Agency Tracker Updates. Follow Sportskeeda for latest news and updates on MLB.

Quick Links