"Baseball in our Country has accomplished a lot, but nothing of the sort," commented Federation President Enrique Mayorga. "This is really historic."
Mexico made history becoming the fourth team to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The tricolores never appeared in the baseball tournament of the Olympics before.
"Mexican Baseball had important achievements in the past," commented Enrique Mayorga Betancourt, the President of the Federacion Mexicana de Béisbol (FEMEBE), the Mexican Federation.
"Qualifying for the Olympic Games is something different. It is really historic."
"I believe these kids really put their heart on the field for every game," added Mayorga.
"We played great. We underperformed only in one inning, the other day against Korea."
"I cannot even put into words how I feel," said Matt Clark, the Hublot Player of the Game against the USA.
"It was a hard-fought game."
Clark is willing to compete in Tokyo 2020: "This whole team will be there, I'm positive. I do not really see any team better than this."
Efren Navarro, who got the game-winning hit against the USA said: "We really feel proud. We will be representing Mexico and our flag in the Olympics. This is really historical."
Mexico will head to Tokyo with one goal.
"We love the bronze medal we just earned," commented manager Juan Castro.
"Next year we are coming back for the gold."
Mexico earned the Olympic spot of the Americas Region. Korea earned the spot granted through the WBSC Premier12 2019 to one National Team of the Asia/Oceania Region. Israel earned the Europe/Africa spot. Japan qualified as the host Nation.
Mexico and USA meet in the bronze medal game, that is also a Tokyo 2020 Qualifier
Mexico takes batting practice before the game
The USA start to get ready
Arturo Reyes
Cody Ponce
Esteban Quiroz caught stealing
Javier Salazar
Jonathan Jones
Jo Adell
Jo Adell runs the bases after his home run
Mexico fought back and tied it in the sixth
Jonathan Jones and USA catcher Kratz collide
Bobby Dalbec put the USA again ahead in the following at bat
Matt Clark tied it in the bottom of the ninth with a solo home run
Matt Clark and Alì Solis celebrate the game-tying homer
Efren's Navarro walk off hit
Navarro points to his dug out after the game-winning hit
Mexico's players take the field and begin celebrating
Mexico celebrates the historic win
Matt Clark awarded as the Hublot Player of the Match