Mexico manager thrilled at high quality baseball displayed by both teams in WBC 2023 semifinals : “Japan advances but the baseball world won”

Mexican manager Benji Gil was all praises for the quality of baseball on display during the semi-final clash of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) between Mexico and Japan at the LoanDepot Park in Miami. The match went right down to the wire as Japan hit a walk-off double to win the game 6-5.

Benji Gil has been given the duties of coaching the Mexican team since the 2021 Olympics. As a player, he averaged .237 in the majors with 171 RBIs and 32 home runs in his 11-year career. The Mexican found immense success with the Anaheim Angels as they won the 2002 World Series.

The 50-year-old coached Team Mexico in the WBC as they reached the semifinals. Even though Team Japan, won the match on the back off a ninth innings comeback, the Mexican team can be very proud of their performance.

More so as the entire tournament was built with the idea of making baseball competitive internationally, it can be safely said that the fans have been treated to some quality baseball. Benji Gil pointed out this fact after the match as he talked about the ultimate winner.

He said:

“Japan advances but the baseball world won tonight"

Japan and USA to battle it out for the WBC title

The two pre-tournament favorites for the coveted WBC championship have made it through to the Final. Both Team Japan and Team USA will slug it out in a one-off encounter at the LoanDepot Park in Miami.

Team Japan are still unbeaten in the tournament as they will look to cap off a perfect campaign. Team USA, on the other hand, have bounced back strongly after their loss to Team Mexico in their second game.