The World Baseball Classic has been the stage for some of the most exciting international baseball games in recent memory. The event brings together the best players from around the world to compete for their respective countries. The final game of the 2017 World Baseball Classic was a thrilling matchup between the United States and Japan. In the end, Japan emerged victorious in a closely contested game.
Japan Wins World Baseball Classic Final
Japan secured their second World Baseball Classic title with a 2-1 victory over the United States in the final game of the tournament. The game was held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and saw both teams put on an impressive display of baseball. Japan’s pitching was particularly impressive, with starter Tomoyuki Sugano throwing six innings of one-run ball. Relievers Kodai Senga and Ryo Akiyoshi combined for three scoreless innings to close out the game.
Japan’s offense was led by outfielder Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, who hit a solo home run in the second inning to give his team the lead. In the sixth inning, Japan added another run when Seiji Kobayashi singled in Ryosuke Kikuchi. The United States had chances to tie the game in the later innings but could not capitalize.
USA Falls to Japan in Championship Game
The United States put up a valiant effort in the final game of the World Baseball Classic, but ultimately fell short against a talented Japanese team. The loss was especially disappointing for the US, as they had defeated Japan in the semi-finals of the previous World Baseball Classic in 2013. In the championship game, the United States received a strong performance from starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, who allowed only two runs in six innings of work.
Offensively, the US was led by Ian Kinsler, who homered in the third inning to cut Japan’s lead to one run. However, the US was unable to string together enough hits to mount a comeback. The loss was a tough one for the US team, but they can take pride in the fact that they made it to the championship game and represented their country well throughout the tournament.
The 2017 World Baseball Classic was another exciting installment of the international baseball tournament. Japan proved to be the best team in the competition, winning their second title in the tournament’s history. The United States can be proud of their performance, making it all the way to the championship game and giving Japan a tough challenge. The tournament showcased some of the best players in the world and provided fans with thrilling baseball action.
