Quarterfinal Matchups Set for WBC
As pool play wraps up in the World Baseball Classic, the stage is set for the quarterfinals. Here's a look at the matchups and what to expect:
Friday:
- **Korea vs.
Dominican Republic** in Miami, 5:30 p.m. CT on FS1.
- USA vs. Canada in Houston, 7 p.m.
CT on Fox.
Saturday:
- **Puerto Rico vs.
Italy** in Houston, 2 p.m. CT on FS1.
- Venezuela vs. Japan in Miami, 8 p.m.
CT on Fox.
Pool A Recap: Canada Dominates Cuba
Canada punched their ticket to the elimination rounds for the first time with a decisive 7-2 victory over Cuba. The Canadians capitalized on Cuba's defensive mistakes, breaking a scoreless tie in the third inning. Tyler O’Neill and Abraham Toro set the stage, and Owen Caissie's sacrifice fly brought in the first run.
While Liván Moinelo kept Canada at bay initially, Yariel Rodríguez wasn't as fortunate. Toro's fifth-inning home run was a highlight, traveling 420 feet and extending the lead.
Cal Quantrill had a solid outing, but a pickoff error allowed Cuba to get on the board in the fifth. However, Canada responded in the sixth with a three-run surge, fueled by key hits from Bo Naylor and Otto Lopez.
Cuba managed another run in the seventh, but it wasn't enough. Canada topped Group A with a 3-1 record, while Puerto Rico also advanced. Cuba, finishing 2-2, was sent home.
Pool B in Houston: Italy Shines Against Mexico
Italy's Vinnie Pasquantino stole the show, hitting three home runs in a commanding 9-1 win over Mexico. This victory kept Italy undefeated in pool play and secured their spot in the quarterfinals.
The game started with a strong performance from Javier Assad, but Italy's Aaron Nola matched him. Pasquantino's first homer set the tone, and Jon Berti added to the lead with a solo shot in the fourth.
Italy's offense kept rolling, with contributions from Jakob Marsee and Dante Nori, making it 5-0 by the fifth inning. Pasquantino's second homer in the sixth and a third in the eighth made history, marking the first three-homer game in WBC history.
Despite a late RBI from Mexico, Italy's dominance was clear. Mexico's 2-2 record wasn't enough to advance.
Pool D in Miami: Dominican Republic Edges Venezuela
In a battle of already-qualified teams, the Dominican Republic emerged victorious over Venezuela, 7-5, to remain unbeaten in pool play.
Juan Soto's early two-run homer set the pace, but Venezuela quickly answered back with runs in the first and third innings. Ketel Marte's solo homer and Fernando Tatis Jr.'s bases-clearing hit in the fourth extended the Dominican lead.
Venezuela threatened in the ninth, but Elvis Alvarado's clutch pitching sealed the win for the Dominican Republic, who joined Italy and Japan as undefeated teams in pool play. Venezuela, with a strong 3-1 record, also advanced.
The stage is set for thrilling quarterfinal action, with each team looking to make their mark on this global stage. Fans can expect intense matchups as the tournament progresses.