As the World Baseball Classic heats up with quarterfinal action on Friday, March 13, the competition is getting fierce. The field has been cut in half, and while some players are heading back to their MLB camps, others are still in the thick of it, representing their countries with pride.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Matchups:
- Korea takes on the Dominican Republic at 5:30 p.m. CT.
- USA faces off against Canada at 7 p.m.
- On Saturday, March 14, Puerto Rico battles Italy at 2 p.m., followed by Venezuela clashing with Japan at 8 p.m.
These matchups mark the start of the single-elimination phase, where every pitch counts and every run could be the difference.
Brewers Players Still in the WBC:
Brice Turang, Second Baseman (USA):
Turang has been a standout performer for Team USA.
Despite a rocky path to the quarterfinals, with the team not controlling its destiny until Italy's crucial win over Mexico, Turang has delivered when it matters. With a .417 average and a 1.167 OPS, his four doubles, five hits, four RBIs, and two runs scored have been vital.
His performance against Italy, where he scored on a Pete Crow-Armstrong homer, highlights his impact.
Tyler Black, First Baseman (Canada):
As Canada gears up to face the USA, Black is looking to make his mark. Although he's 0-for-6 in the tournament, he’s managed to contribute with a run scored and an RBI.
Rob Zastryzny, Left-Handed Pitcher (Canada):
Zastryzny has had limited action, pitching just one inning but keeping it clean with two hits allowed and no runs.
Abner Uribe, Right-Handed Pitcher (Dominican Republic):
Uribe’s outing against Venezuela was nothing short of dramatic.
Walking three batters put the Dominican Republic in a tight spot, but they managed to hold onto their lead. Previously, Uribe struck out two in an inning, celebrating with flair.
Andrew Fischer, Infielder (Italy):
Fischer, a recent Brewers first-round pick, didn't play in Italy's win over the USA but made an impression against Mexico. He’s 3-for-8 with a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored.
Jackson Chourio, Outfielder (Venezuela):
After sitting out two games with a sore hand, Chourio is back in action. He's 1-for-6 with an RBI and a walk, looking to regain his form.
William Contreras, Catcher (Venezuela):
Contreras has struggled at the plate, going 1-for-11, but he’s drawn a walk and scored a run. He’ll be looking to turn things around as Venezuela moves forward.
Angel Zerpa, Left-Handed Pitcher (Venezuela):
Zerpa has been reliable on the mound, making three appearances and pitching three scoreless innings with two hits allowed and three strikeouts.
As these Brewers players continue to compete on the international stage, their performances are not just a testament to their skills but also a preview of the talent they’ll bring back to Milwaukee. The World Baseball Classic is showcasing some thrilling baseball, and these quarterfinals promise to deliver more of the same.