On paper, Japan vs. Mexico looks like a lopsided matchup. Rōki Sasaki is set to take the mound for Mexico, which burned Julio Urías in Saturday’s quarterfinal win over Puerto Rico. Patrick Sandoval will get the start for Mexico after the Angels left-hander shut down the United States in pool play.
Mexico, however, has made a habit of defying the odds this World Baseball Classic. After losing to Colombia in extra innings in the first game of the tournament, the team went 3-0 to close out pool play, including dominant wins over the United States and Canada. Then, against Puerto Rico, Mexico fell behind 4-0 in the first inning and came back to win 5-4.
Mexico will have to overcome those odds again, as it comes up against a Japan team that has been nothing short of a machine. Samurai Japan has steamrolled its way to a 5-0 record, with Shohei Ohtani looking like every bit the superstar he is all tournament and Munetaka Murakami breaking out against Italy in the quarterfinals with a 2-for-3 game and a run driven in.
To call Mexico plucky would be underselling it. Pool C MVP Randy Arozarena has been among the best players in the tournament, and Luis Urías has been outstanding, not to mention the heroics of Joey Meneses against the United States. Mexico will need those heroics against Samurai Japan, who enter this game as a Goliath. It’s Japan’s first game away from Tokyo in this tournament. Mexico will look to cut its trip short.
MORE: Watch Japan vs. Mexico in the WBC live on fuboTV (free trial)
What channel is Japan vs. Mexico on today?
- TV Channel: FS1
- Live stream: FoxSports.com, Fox Sports app, fuboTV
Japan vs. Mexico will air on FS1, with broadcast teams to be announced.
Cord-cutters can enjoy the action on FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app in addition to fuboTV, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
Japan vs. Mexico start time
- Date: Monday, March 20
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
First pitch of Japan vs. Mexico is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at LoanDepot Park in Miami. The venue is the home of MLB’s Marlins and the site for the semifinal round.
MORE: What to know about World Baseball Classic pitch counts, usage limits & more
World Baseball Classic remaining schedule
There are two games left in the WBC, including the semifinal matchup between Japan and Mexico. The championship will be played Tuesday in Miami.
Semifinals
| Date | Time | Venue | Matchup | Channel |
| March 19 | 7 p.m. | Miami | USA vs. Cuba | FS1 |
| March 20 | 7 p.m. | Miami | Mexico vs. Japan | FS1 |
Championship
| Date | Time | Venue | Matchup | Channel |
| March 21 | 7 p.m. | Miami | Semifinal 1 winner vs. Semifinal 2 winner | FS1 |