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What much better method to top that – by one foot – than in a substantial minute in the international spotlight?
Paredes’ solo crowning achievement off Marcus Stroman in the 2nd inning of Mexico’s 5-4 quarterfinals win versus Puerto Rico at loanDepot park on Friday skyrocketed 412 feet into left-center field at 104.7 miles per hour.
His very first homer of the World Baseball Classic cut into Puerto Rico’s early 4-0 lead and triggered Mexico’s offense.
“We are representing Mexico,” Paredes stated. “It’s a lot of adrenaline that you feel on the field. I had never felt that adrenaline, even when I debuted in the Majors. It was beautiful.”
Paredes’ night was just starting with that homer. Mexico was combating to rally from a 4-2 deficit in the seventh frame, and Austin Barnes, Randy Arozarena and Alex Verdugo had actually filled the bases without any outs versus Alexis Díaz.
Joey Meneses popped out. Rowdy Tellez set out. Suddenly, the 24-year-old Paredes was at the plate in a bases-loaded chance with 2 outs.
Parades, who is 3-for-15 with the bases filled in his major league profession, provided a sinker from Jorge López into left field for a two-run single. He innovative Verdugo to 3rd on his line drive, setting the phase for Luis Urías to plate Verdugo with a consent RBI single into right.
“The hit in the seventh inning and Luis’ hit was even better,” Paredes stated. “My heart exploded.”
Paredes is entering his 4th Major League season with the momentum of these clutch efficiencies. The 24-year-old 3rd baseman made his major league launching on Aug. 17, 2020, in Detroit and played 2 seasons there prior to being traded to Tampa on April 5, 2022, in exchange for Austin Meadows.
It stays to be seen when Paredes will rejoin the Rays in Spring Training – Mexico advanced to play Japan in the semifinals on Monday (7 p.m. ET on FS1). When he returns to camp, he will have included WBC leading entertainer to his young resume.
“It was beautiful for me,” he stated.
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