After a hard-fought battle in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, Mexico suffered a heartbreaking 6-5 loss to Japan.
Even with Randy Arozarena making an incredible play — leading to a hilarious meme — Japan and walk-off hero Munetaka Murakami ended up clinching a spot in Tuesday’s final. (That Japan-USA matchup will now give us the Tungsten Arm O’Doyle Classic.)
As Mexico fans tried to process the loss in the aftermath, manager Benji Gil kept his reflection on the defeat short and sweet. Did he wish his team came out on top? Of course. Who wouldn’t? But the bigger picture was more important.
Such an instant classic battle was great for the game of baseball and everyone who loves it:
Mexico manager Benji Gil: “Japan advances, but the world of baseball won tonight.”
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) March 21, 2023
What a classy and entirely truthful response. You know Gil especially meant it, given that his team was the one who fell short. It’s been a fantastic World Baseball Classic. Japan and Mexico gave the baseball world another top-notch episode.
