'Eight of Promise'Juan Perez's come-from-behind full base shot Mexico, 8-6 come-from-behind victory over the Netherlands, re-sustaining. Group A will decide the 2 teams going to Japan tomorrow.

Nov 14, 2024

Jose Rojas of the Mexico national team is happy with his teammate after hitting a home run. WBSC Official SNS Photo Capture

Mexico national team Alonso Gaitan. WBSC Official SNS Photo Capture

Mexico came from behind to beat the Netherlands with a dramatic bases-loaded shot and left hope for the semifinals.

Mexico came from behind to win 8-6 with Juan Perez's superior come-from-behind grand slam in the top of the eighth inning, trailing 4-6 in the fourth game of the Premier 12 Group A against the Netherlands on the 14th (Korea time).

Group A ended up in the semifinals on the last day. Venezuela beat Puerto Rico 5-2 to lead the group with 3 wins and 1 loss, while the Netherlands, Panama, the United States and Mexico all tied for second with 2 wins and 2 losses. Puerto Rico is the only one to be eliminated with one win and three losses.

The 15th is the last day of Group A. Three games will be held to determine the final ranking: Venezuela-the Netherlands, Puerto Rico-Panama, and the U.S.-Mexico match.

Mexico took the lead in the top of the first inning with Jose Rojas' sacrifice fly and Alan Trejo's three-run double. However, the Netherlands began its pursuit with Dwayne Kemp's two-run shot in the bottom of the fifth inning, followed by a 3-4, one-run difference with Didi Gregorius' double and Jonathan Soup's triple, and made it 5-4 with a come-from-behind two-run shot by Ray-Petrick Dider, a one-out third baseman, in the bottom of the sixth. Denzel Richardson's solo shot in the bottom of the seventh inning scored an additional point and led by two points.

WBSC 공식 SNS 사진 캡쳐

Mexico, which missed the opportunity to second base with no outs in the top of the fifth inning, faced a golden opportunity to come from behind in the top of the eighth inning. After the leadoff Chris Carter drew a walk, Julian Ornelas hit a heavy hit to make it first and second base. Alan Treyo struck out swinging and got two outs.

Tres Barrera walked and led the chance to the bases loaded with two outs, and Juan Perez entered the batter's box. As soon as Perez hit the second pitch, he dropped his bat on the ground and watched the ball fly far away. I know it's a home run. The ball flew a long way and hit the stands on the right side. a come-from-behind grand slam.

Since then, Mexico has well prevented a two-point gap, winning a dramatic victory and escaping the danger of elimination.

Chaos Group A eventually decided on two teams to go to Japan on the last day.

indyk@sportschosun.com