One of the biggest surprises of the World Baseball Classic, Wladimir Balentien, provided one of the signature moments of the tournament Monday night in Los Angeles.
The hulking Netherlands slugger - who plies his trade with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan - launched a mammoth two-run homer off Puerto Rico starter Jorge Lopez in the first inning of the semifinal matchup.
Overcome with emotion, Balentien followed the blast with an equally impressive bat flip before trotting around the bases with plenty of flair.
(Courtesy: Action Images)
(Courtesy: Getty Images)
(Courtesy: Action Images)
(Courtesy: Action Images)
(Courtesy: Action Images)
(Video courtesy: MLB.com)