Alex Rios blasted a two-run homer and Mike Aviles hit an RBI single as Puerto Rico upset two-time defending champion Japan 3-1 in the semi-finals of the World Baseball Classic.
Aviles batted two-for-three Sunday and scored a run for Puerto Rico who advanced to their first World Baseball Classic final.
Starting pitcher Mario Santiago pitched 4 1/3 solid innings before he had to leave the game with an arm injury but he helped set the tone for Puerto Rico who were facing Japan on short rest. Puerto Rico played two games in less than 24 hours before travelling cross country for their semi-final.
Puerto Rico will face either the Dominican Republic or the Netherlands in Tuesday’s championship game.
Puerto Rico reach World Baseball Classic final
