Photo: Prensa Latina

Havana, March 18 (RHC)-- Mexico defeated Puerto Rico five runs to four on Friday and advanced for the first time in its history to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.

The Puerto Ricans got in captain Julio Urias' eyes by giving him four runs, which included home runs by Javy Baez and Eddie Rosario.

However, from then on, the Puerto Ricans did not step on the rubber any more, while the Mexicans gradually took the lead in the eighth.

The first came on a single by Isaac Paredes in the second, and the second on a single by Alex Verdugo in the fifth.

Paredes pushed again in the seventh, when he brought the tie with a two-run single, and then Luis Urìas drove in the fifth.

Team Rubio tried in every way: there was a key run by Cuban nationalized Randy Arozarena in the top of the eighth, and in the ninth they tied the game and put the bases loaded, but they could not prevent the tricolor from reaching the ante-room for the first time for the world title.

Their opponent in their quest to continue making history will be Japan, the team that has impressed the most so far from every point of view.

The match will be held at LoanDepot Park Stadium in Florida.