WBC star Randy Arozarena says game-saving catch versus Puerto Rico was better than hitting a HR in the World Series
Mexican outfielder Randy Arozarena has been a walking highlight reel at the World Baseball Classic. Led by Arozarena, Team Mexico has been one of the surprises of the tournament. On Friday, they qualified for their first ever WBC semifinal with a 5-4 win over Team Puerto Rico.
Arozarena has been sensational throughout the tournament. He leads Team Mexico in several offensive categories, including RBIs, doubles, walks, slugging and OPS. He ranks fifth overall at the World Baseball Classic in OPS (1.566) and second in runs (seven) and RBIs (nine).
Against Puerto Rico, Arozarena once again stole the show. This time with his defensive abilities. When asked about his dazzling catch, he said it was the best play of his career:
"That was better than any home run I’ve ever hit in the big leagues. That was better than the home run I hit in the World Series. That catch was the best."
Arozarena's play came at a critical stage with Mexico holding on to a slender 5-4 lead in the eighth inning. The perfectly timed catch stopped a Puerto Rican comeback dead in its tracks.
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"Randy is on a roll" - FOX Sports: MLB
Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Emmanuel Rivera looked visibly frustrated after Arozarena robbed him of what looked like a big hit. With a man on first, a deep hit would have almost certainly brought in one runner to tie the game.
Randy Arozarena has been one of the stars of the tournament at the 2023 World Baseball Classic
Randy Arozarena has had an impressive MLB career and is now showing the world what he can do on the international stage.
Over four seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays, he has recorded 48 home runs and 171 RBIs over 336 games.
RANDY AROZARENA WHAT A CATCH!
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"RANDY AROZARENA WHAT A CATCH!" - Ben Verlander
Arozarena was also a member of the Rays team that reached the World Series in 2020. He hit home runs in three different games during the series. Yet, the righty slugger still believes his catch versus Puerto Rico was bigger than any other moment in his career.
Team Mexico will now progress to face mighty Team Japan in the semifinals. It will be a Herculean task but if Arozarena can keep up this form, an upset could be on the cards.