USA’s Trea Turner, Japan’s Munetaka Murakami trade mammoth homers to electrify start of WBC final: ‘F— locked in’
Trea Turner is locked in. He’s not the only one, though.
Still, the newly-minted $300 million man has been a man on a mission in the World Baseball Classic, outshining his All-Star-caliber teammates to make a case for WBC MVP. The Phillies shortstop delivered his fourth home run in three games, this time to break USA’s deadlock with Japan in the WBC final.
Turner’s dinger shared a great many similarities with the other ones he’s hit thus far. Namely, he calmly deposited the ball into left field with that languid one-handed swing.
U-S-TREA! U-S-TREA!
He has done it again!! 😱 USA leads 1-0! pic.twitter.com/VRW8zq8Dba
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 21, 2023
LIVE: Updates, highlights from USA vs. Japan World Baseball Classic championship
Turner wasn’t the only one reveling in delirium after his big swing. In fact, USA manager Mark DeRosa grinned in delight, appearing to tell anyone who could hear him “He’s f— locked in.”
That might just be the understatement of the tournament.
Mark DeRosa’s reaction to Trea Turner’s home run 🙌🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/WCmsKM27mu
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 21, 2023
With his second-inning blast, Turner nabbed his fifth homer of the competition. That levels him with Seung-Yuop Lee for most blasts in a single tourney. Given the way he’s seeing the ball, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him add to the total.
Turner’s homer was nice. But Japan rallied back in the bottom of the second on the inning’s first pitch. Semifinals hero Munetaka Murakami belted a belt-high fastball to deep center field to knot things up at one.
A quick answer from Japan!
Munetaka Murakami solo homer to tie this thing up! 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/8CJJsoe1M2
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 21, 2023
Murakami to the SECOND DECK 😳 pic.twitter.com/vihSAYfDDc
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 22, 2023
Viewed as a prospect with Ruthian-type power, Murakami pulverized Kelly’s pitch. It subsequently landed in the second deck of the bleachers, well over 400 feet from home plate.
The long ball is back, baby. Long may it continue.
Japan leads 2-1 at the end of two.
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