Team Japan has moved on to the World Baseball Classic final in an exhilarating manner. Samurai Japan walked off Team Mexico in the bottom of the ninth inning to earn the right to play Team USA on Tuesday.

Japan slugger Munetaka Murakami was the hero of the day. With two baserunners on and no one out, the two-time NPB Central League MVP drove a ball to deep center field to score the winning runs.

Here is Murakami's hit, as called by the Japanese broadcast:

The wild ending to the World Baseball Classic semifinal has sent social media into a frenzy. Some fans are already picking a side.

https://twitter.com/Motion2900/status/1638009202068303873

Others are marveling at how insane the game was. Mexico led 4-0 at one point before Japan stormed back. Baseball fans also saw an impressive display from Team Japan star Roki Sasaki.

https://twitter.com/LogRich87/status/1638009122103648256

Related NewsArticle continues below
May 1, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) circles the bases on a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
MLB rumors: Phillies, Yankees, Dodgers named as Cubs’ biggest Kyle Tucker competition
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) looks on against the Philadelphia Phillies in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park.
MLB rumors: Exec ponders bonkers Red Sox-Pirates Paul Skenes trade
Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium.
Aaron Judge vs. Jacob deGrom battle draws attention during Yankees-Rangers

Of course, with the World Baseball Classic final now set, many fans are looking forward to that game. Team Japan and Team USA both feature a ton of star power, and it could go either way.

Mexico entered the bottom of the ninth inning with a 5-4 lead. Shohei Ohtani led off the inning with a first-pitch double to center field. Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida walked in the next at-bat before Murakami walked it off.

Ohtani could pitch for Team Japan on Tuesday against Team USA. The Americans are looking to win back-to-back World Baseball Classic championships. Ironically enough, Japan is the only team to ever achieve that feat, doing so in 2006 and 2009.

The World Baseball Classic final will be played at loanDeport Park in Miami, Florida. The game begins at 7 PM eastern time and American viewers can watch the game on FS1.