Two-time champion Japan has advanced to the final of the World Baseball Classic with a thrilling 6-5 walk-off victory over Mexico in the semifinals on Monday.

Japan's starter Sasaki Roki was solid through the first three innings. But in the fourth, he allowed a three-run homer to Luis Urias.

Japan struggled to get on the scoreboard by repeatedly leaving runners stranded.

But in the 7th, Samurai Japan pulled even on Yoshida Masataka's three-run homer.

Mexico took the lead once again, by adding 2 runs in the eighth. But Japan rallied in the bottom of the ninth.
Two-way star Ohtani Shohei keyed the dramatic comeback with a leadoff double.
Murakami Munetaka hit a clutch double off the wall in center that scored two runs and touched off wild celebrations for Japan.

Japan is now set to face Team USA on Tuesday in Miami while aiming to win the title for a record third time. Imanaga Shota will start for Japan, Merrill Kelly is expected to start for the US.

Back home in Japan, many fans in the baseball-crazed country celebrated the victory.