There could only be one victor in Monday’s World Baseball Classic semifinal showdown between Team Japan and Team Mexico.
But the Red Sox have to be thrilled with the performances put forth by two of their starting outfielders in Masataka Yoshida and Alex Verdugo at loanDepot Park.
Both Sox stalwarts delivered the heroics for their respective teams in the late innings, driving in a combined four runs in Team Japan’s dramatic 6-5 walk-off win.
Yoshida went 3-for-4 at the plate with a three-run home run and walk, while Verdugo went 1-for-4 with an RBI double.
Team Japan’s bats were quieted by Patrick Sandoval for most of the evening, but Yoshida gave his team life with one swing of the bat.