US hands Japan first loss to reach World Baseball Classic final

Adam Jones delivered the game-winning RBI in the eighth inning as the US toppled Japan 2-1 on Tuesday to reach their first World Baseball Classic final, where they will face undefeated Puerto Rico.
The Americans made the final by knocking off a Japanese team accustomed to success, as they had a perfect 6-0 record and were looking to win their third title in just four tournaments.
"It means a heck of a lot," said outfielder Andrew McCutchen. "We got a group of guys on this team who have dedicated this time to be able to try and win. Sacrifices had to be made and there are no egos when that door opens."
"Everybody's a superstar on this team. But someone's going to have to hit seventh and someone's going to have to hit eighth."
The USA will need to beat another undefeated team Wednesday to claim their first WBC title: Puerto Rico steamrolled through the opposition in the first two rounds, before eliminating the Netherlands 4-3 in 11 innings in the other semifinal on Monday.
Norichika Aoki of the Japan and Adam Jones (2nd R) of the US greet each other on the field before the start of Game 2 of the Championship Round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, on March 21 
After getting on the board first in the fourth on a rainy evening at Dodger Stadium, the US had to bide their time against a strong Japanese pitching staff until Jones was able to give them the lead by scoring Brandon Crawford from third base.
Crawford roared home when Japanese third baseman Nobuhiro Matsuda bobbled Jones' hot shot. By the time he regained possession the only option left was to throw to first for the single out.
Japan's lone run came off a 376-foot solo homer to right field by Ryosuke Kikuchi which tied the game 1-1 in the sixth.
- Soggy infield -
Tuesday's game was played for the most part in a steady rain that made for a soggy infield and cooler than normal southern California temperatures.
Francisco Lindor of the Puerto Rico celebrates their 4-3 win over the Netherlands after an 11-inning Game 1 of the Championship Round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, on March 20, 2017 
Japan had won both the 2006 and 2009 tournaments and finished third in 2013.
The match-up showcased players from the USA's MLB against Japanese stars from the Nippon Professional League, as just one of the Japan players, Norichika Aoki, plays in MLB.
Japanese starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano was stellar striking out six, allowing just one run and three hits in six innings of work.
US starter Tanner Roark pitched four innings, allowed one run on two hits and struck out just one batter.
"Arm felt good, nice and loose," said Roark. "The conditions on the mound started to get a little hairy.
"If it rained even harder and we have a rain delay, you can't control that. You've got to stay within yourself and stay focused."
- Something to prove -
Marcus Stroman of the US pitches during the first inning of their World Baseball Classic Pool F Game Four against Puerto Rico, at PETCO Park in San Diego, California, on March 17, 2017 
The US is without its best pitcher Clayton Kershaw, as well as MLB MVPs center fielder Mike Trout and third baseman Kris Bryant, who all decided to skip the tournament.
Roark said the players that did commit to play felt they have something to prove.
"It's a chip, yes I guess you could say that," he said. "But we just go out there and do our stuff and not let things get inside our heads."
McCutchen singled to left field to score the first run in the fourth inning. He drove in Christian Yelich, who reached second on a hit earlier in the inning.
Both US runs came off misplayed ground balls by Japanese players but manager Hiroki Kokubo wasn't blaming his players or the poor weather.
"Honestly, there were some mistakes and then a run was scored," he said. "It rained. It was the same for both teams."
"The team that makes mistakes will lose."
The US will go with pitching ace Marcus Stroman in Wednesday's final, while Seth Lugo -- a 27-year-old who plays professionally for the New York Mets -- will toe the rubber for Puerto Rico.
"I am looking forward to tomorrow," said McCutchen. "It is a first so I am just happy to be part of it."

Source: AFP