WATCH: Rays' Randy Arozarena Robs Home Run, Preserves Mexico Lead in WBC

With Team Mexico leading 3-0 over Japan in the fifth inning of Monday night's World Baseball Classic semifinal game at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena made a remarkable catch to rob a home run and preserve Mexico's lead.

With Team Mexico leading 3-0 over Japan in the fifth inning of Monday night's World Baseball Classic semifinal game at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena made a remarkable catch to rob a home run and preserve Mexico's lead.

Japanese first baseman Kazuma Okamoto took Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Pablo Sandoval on a ride to deep left. Arozarena jumped up, and made a run-saving catch to keep the score 3-0.

Arozarena, who was born in Cuba, is now a Mexican citizen. He opted to play for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

Team Mexico has impressed at the 2023 tournament. For the first time ever, it has reached the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic. The team also bested Team USA 11-5 in group play last Sunday night.

Japan has not been beaten yet in the 2023 WBC. Japan swept group play, going a perfect 4-0, then put down Team Italy 9-3 in the quarterfinal.

Arozarena made a name for himself in the 2020 MLB playoffs, as a rooke, winning ALCS MVP honors. Arozarena also set a record for the most home runs hit in a single postseason with nine.

The Rays acquired Arozarena earlier that year in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals sent Arozarena, Jose Martinez and the Cardinals' Competitive Balance Round A Draft Pick to the Rays in exchange for Matthew Liberatore, Edgardo Rodriguez and the Rays' Competitive Balance Round B Draft Pick.

In 2021, Arozarena slashed .274/.356/.815 with 20 home runs and 69 RBI, earning him the American League Rooke of the Year Award.

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