Author: rincon

DAIKIN PARK (Houston) – Time to get beaned up, Miami. 

The magical run continues for undefeated Italy, which will be taking its Armani suits, espresso machines, cheek-kisses and, most importantly, high-powered offense to the World Baseball Classic semifinals after holding off a late charge from Puerto Rico in Saturday’s quarterfinal to seal an 8-6 win.

Here are my takeaways:

1. Tournament Surprise Story Italy Writes Its Latest Chapter 

There was no letdown for Italy after upsetting Team USA in pool play, so why should the quarterfinals be any different? 

No stage appears too mighty or inconquerable for Italy, which continues cruising through the tournament undefeated with its compilation of primarily Italian-American prospects and neophyte big-leaguers pummeling the baseball. 

After hitting 12 home runs in pool play — a total that trailed only the Dominican Republic for the most in the WBC — Italy didn’t need the long ball on Saturday, instead stringing together two separate four-run rallies. 

Prior to Saturday, Puerto Rico hadn’t even allowed four runs in a game. The team’s pitching staff entered the quarterfinals leading the WBC with a 1.22 ERA. By game’s end, Puerto Rico allowed more runs against Italy than it had in its four pool-play games combined. All nine players in Italy’s starting lineup reached base, a testament to the depth of a lineup that continues causing more havoc than anyone imagined. 

Italy’s offense has scored as many runs as Team USA — and hit for more average and power — through five games. 

2. Puerto Rico Strikes First; Italy Responds Immediately, Emphatically 

On an 0-2 count to start the game, Italy starter Sam Aldegheri left a changeup up to Willi Castro, who did not miss. Puerto Rico’s leadoff hitter sent the pitch over the Crawford Boxes in left field and sent a crowd of 34,291 — primarily pro-Puerto Rico fans — at Daikin Park into a frenzy. Puerto Rico’s players emptied out of the dugout to celebrate the blast as chants of “olé, olé, olé, olé” filled the stadium and Puerto Rico flags flew. 

But Italy went undefeated in pool play for a reason. Puerto Rico had its most accomplished starter on the mound. Against an Italy offense that outscored its opponents by 21 runs during pool play, it didn’t matter. 

Italy has showcased various ways to score throughout the competition. During pool play, it was primarily with power. In the quarterfinals, it was patience and precision. 

The start to the game for the Italy offense: walk, strikeout, walk, three straight RBI singles. Just like that, five batters into the game, Italy had chased 2024 All-Star Seth Lugo. The Italians tallied another run before the end of the inning on a sacrifice fly to jump out to a 4-1 lead. 

Three innings later, Italy’s next four-run was catalyzed by three straight walks which led to back-to-back run-scoring doubles from Andrew Fischer and J.J. D’Orazio. Back in pool play, that same duo hit back-to-back solo shots against Great Britain. D’Orazio, a 24-year-old minor leaguer with the Los Angeles Angels, has become the team’s primary catcher since Kyle Teel strained his hamstring against Team USA — and he’s running with the opportunity.  

3. Puerto Rico Makes Late Charge, Will Lament Missed Opportunities

Puerto Rico didn’t just fold after falling behind 8-2, responding with its own four-run rally in the eighth inning and getting the tying run to the plate in the ninth. However, it will regret the chances it let slip away right from the start.

Right after Italy poured it on in the first, Puerto Rico had a chance to respond similarly. The team put four runners on base in the second inning and scored only one run with the opportunity. 

Aldegheri, one of three Italian-born players on Team Italy, lost his command in the second and was removed with one out after allowing two straight walks and then hitting a batter. Alek Jacob entered and then immediately hit another batter to bring in a run. But with the bases loaded, he struck out Castro and got pool-play hero Darell Hernaiz to groundout to keep Italy’s lead at two. 

In the seventh, Puerto Rico had another chance to rally and cut into Italy’s lead when a walk and an error put runners on the corners to start the inning. A lineout and two strikeouts followed. 

Puerto Rico finished the game 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners on base. 

4. Italy Goes Where It Hasn’t Before 

Italy has made the WBC quarterfinals twice before in its country’s history, including at the 2023 WBC. Now, it will be making its first trip to the semifinals, where it will play the winner of Saturday night’s Japan-Venezuela matchup.

Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

DAIKIN PARK (Houston) – Once again, it did not come easily or stylishly for Team USA on Friday night, as evidenced by the subdued celebration on the field in the aftermath of its victory against its neighbors to the north. It seemed more like a sigh of relief than a scene of jubilation. 

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But coming off a shocking pool-play loss to Italy that put its tournament hopes at risk, the dream team survived again, holding off Canada in the quarterfinals to set up a matchup of the juggernauts between Team USA and the Dominican Republic in Sunday’s semifinals. 

Here are my takeaways:

1. Team USA Has Major Pitching Advantage Moving Forward

Yes, Team USA has assembled a lineup packed with superstars, but the biggest difference for the club in this tournament compared to past iterations is the arm talent — particularly in the rotation.

Even with Tarik Skubal no longer available, the U.S. had a back-to-back All-Star in Logan Webb to start on Friday and will have a back-to-back All-Star and Cy Young Award winner in Paul Skenes ready for Sunday’s much-anticipated matchup against the Dominican Republic. 

Webb did his job against the Canadians, holding them scoreless for 4.2 innings with five strikeouts. In two starts in the WBC, Webb allowed just one run in 8.2 innings. 

Once he left, though…

2. Canada Made Things Interesting vs. USA Bullpen 

After falling behind 5-0, Canada didn’t go down without a fight. The inning after Webb’s departure, Tyler Black got Canada on the board with an RBI single off Brad Keller in the sixth. USA manager Mark DeRosa then turned to lefty Gabe Speier to get the platoon matchup on Bo Naylor, but it didn’t matter as the Canada catcher crushed an inside slider 404 feet out to right field to bring Canada within two runs. 

It would soon get even dicier for the U.S. bullpen. 

David Bednar entered in the seventh and got a couple ground balls to start the inning, but they both resulted in infield singles. After a passed ball by Cal Raleigh, Canada suddenly had the tying runs in scoring position. The Yankees reliever buckled down from there, though, getting Josh Naylor to pop out before striking out Tyler O’Neill and Owen Caissie, Canada’s hottest hitter entering the game, to extinguish the threat. 

In the ninth, Mason Miller shut the door. 

3. Canada Gifted Jerseys, USA Gifted Runs 

Before the game, Hockey Canada sent a congratulatory video message to the country’s baseball players for getting through to the quarterfinals for the first time and gifted the team Canadian hockey jerseys, which the players proudly wore pregame at Daikin Park. 

Three innings into the game, Canada’s defense was also in the giving spirit. 

After plating a run on an RBI groundout in the first inning, Team USA didn’t hit a ball out of the infield in the third yet still managed to tack on two more runs to give Webb some breathing room. The damage came with two outs and the bases loaded, when Alex Bregman pulled a grounder that third baseman Abraham Toro secured on a dive. The throw to first, however, was airmailed, as two runs came home. 

That ended the day for Michael Soroka. Reliever Micah Ashman entered and prevented the inning from unraveling by striking out Roman Anthony. 

On a night in which Canada managed to hold USA’s biggest boppers in check, it was the bottom of the lineup delivering crucial insurance. The No. 8 and 9 hitters in USA’s lineup, Brice Turang and Pete Crow-Armstrong, came through with RBI singles in the sixth. At the time, it seemed like they were just padding USA’s lead. 

Given how the ensuing innings went, those hits instead ended up the difference. 

4. The Juggernaut Semifinal Matchup is Upon Us

The Dominican Republic has bulldozed its way through the tournament with elation and bat flips and brute force. Team USA, despite fielding a roster capable of doing the same, has not. 

And if it plays the way it has to this point, the offense awaiting them in Miami will be salivating. 

But as the lineup attempts to play to its capabilities, the biggest hope for the Americans is on the bump. 

The Dominican Republic used its best arm while run-ruling Korea, 10-0, in a game in which starter Cristopher Sánchez fired five scoreless innings. The U.S., meanwhile, will have reigning National Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes ready to go. 
 

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Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

Team USA’s star-studded lineup led by Yankees superstar Aaron Judge and Pirates ace Paul Skenes can turn their attention to the semifinals at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.  

The USA handled Canada in Friday’s quarterfinals win against Canada and are now gearing up for Sunday’s semifinal clash against the vaunted Dominican Republic.

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The game will be Sunday, March 15 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX. 

How to Watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic

FOX is your exclusive home to the WBC with games spread across the FOX family of networks. 

The USA vs. Dominican Republic WBC semifinals game will be on FOX (8 p.m. ET), while the other semifinals game will be on FS1 on Monday (8 p.m. ET). The Championship Game will be on FOX on Tuesday, March 17 (8 p.m. ET). 

All games will be available for streaming on the FOX Sports app and FOX One. Catch the action on the following streaming options:

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• FOXSports.com and FOX Sports app
• FOX One

USA vs. Dominican Republic: Starting Pitchers

Pittsburgh Pirates ace and defending NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes is expected to take the mound against the Dominican Republic. He had a standout showing against Mexico in Pool B play, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out seven batters in four scoreless innings.

The Dominican Republic is expected to lean on Luis Severino as its starter against the USA. Severino allowed one run and three hits while striking out five over four innings when he faced the Netherlands in pool play.

USA vs. Dominican Republic: Starting Lineups

USA manager Mark Derosa will lean on his usual starters such as Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper and Cal Raleigh against the Dominican Republic. Judge and Pete Crow-Armstrong each have two home runs so far in the tournament. 

As for the Dominican Republic? Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. Juan Soto. Fernando Tatis. Junior Caminero. That’s a stacked lineup no matter which way manager Albert Pujols puts it together. Eight players have homered for the team at the WBC and are showing why they’ll be among the favorites. 

WBC Schedule

Quarterfinals

Saturday, March 14

• Puerto Rico vs. Italy (3 p.m., Daikin Park in Houston on FS1)
• Venezuela vs. Japan (9 p.m., LoanDepot Park in Miami on FOX)

Semifinals

Sunday, March 15

• Dominican Republic vs. QF 2 winner (8 p.m., LoanDepot Park in Miami on FS1)

Monday, March 16

• Puerto Rico/Italy vs. Japan/Venezuela (8 p.m., LoanDepot Park in Miami on FS1)

Final

Tuesday, March 17

• SF 1 winner vs. SF2 winner (8 p.m., LoanDepot Park in Miami on FOX)

Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

Team USA was able to hold off Canada to reach the World Baseball Classic semifinals, and now Aaron Judge and Co. will take on the hard-hitting Dominican Republic – a squad that cannot stop launching dingers. 

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A big-time semifinal clash in Miami awaits us on Sunday between two tournament favorites.

But before we get to that, let’s recap Friday’s quarterfinals action at the World Baseball Classic. 

Dominican Republic Dominates Korea To Reach Semis

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The Dominican Republic is on a mission at the World Baseball Classic. And it’s happening via the long ball.

With Friday’s 10-0 rout of Korea, the Dominicans are 5-0 in the tournament. They have outscored opponents 51-10 while batting .312 and with 14 homers, which ties the WBC record set by Mexico in 2009.

Austin Wells hit a walk-off three-run homer in the seventh inning that ended the game under a tournament rout rule. Fernando Tatis Jr. drove in two runs and has 11 RBIs in the tournament. He is tied for third in a single WBC, trailing only Masataka Yoshida’s 13 for Japan in 2023 and Wladimir Balentien’s 12 for the Netherlands in 2017.

Backed by three runs in the second inning and four in the third, winner Christopher Sánchez struck out eight in five innings of two-hit ball.

USA Outlasts Canada To Reach Semifinals

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Team USA keeps playing with fire, but they’re at least in the semifinals thanks to a win over Canada in Houston. 

Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper scored on an error in the third inning, which was followed by a two-run inning in the sixth thanks to back-to-back singles by Brice Turang and Pete Crow-Armstrong. 

The Canadians responded with three runs in the bottom of the sixth, which included a two-shot by Bo Naylor. Canada had the tying run at the plate in the seventh inning, but David Bednar escaped the jam and the United States closed with win with Mason Miller.

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Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

What’s better than watching baseball? Watching baseball and winning money!

You can partake in the best of both worlds while watching the MLB World Series this weekend with our free-to-play FOX Super 6 game.

How do you play? Enter the World Baseball Classic Super 6 contest by predicting the correct answers to six questions before the games start for your chance at weekly cash prizes. 

All you have to do is finish in the top six to win a prize.

It really is that simple, and again, it’s free.

And if you need a little help before heading to the app to make your picks, we have you covered this week.

Read below for our thoughts on the playoffs, which can be seen on FOX and the FOX Sports app.

Let’s dive into the questions and predictions below.

1. Which player will score the MOST RUNS in the Knockout Stage?

Fernando Tatís Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., Seiya Suzuki, Roman Anthony

Acuña leads the tournament with eight runs scored, batting .308 with four hits and a home run. Venezuela takes on Japan in the quarterfinal which should be a good test for the five-time All-Star, but we’ll go with the hot hand here. Team Japan has also yet to face a team like Venezuela, having gone 4-0 in Pool C against South Korea, Australia, Chinese Taipei, and Czechia. 

Prediction: Ronald Acuña Jr.

2. Rank the players by who will have the MOST HITS in the Knockout Stage (highest to lowest):

Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Luis Arráez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

While Arráez leads this group with seven hits through the first four games of pool play, Ohtani and Guerrero Jr. aren’t far off with five and six, respectively. Judge has four hits in sixteen at-bats, but he should get it going against Canada in the quarterfinals. Expect the stars to shine when it matters most.  

Prediction: Shohei Ohtani, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Aaron Judge, Luis Arráez

3. Which player will have the MOST RBI in the Knockout Stage?

Kyle Schwarber, Matsaka Yoshida, Junior Caminero, Vinnie Pasquantino

Despite only having four RBI in pool play, it’s tough to pick against Schwarber. He led MLB this past season with 132 RBI to his name, and was also the only player to eclipse the 130 mark. Vinnie Pasquantino is also a solid choice here, as he had 113 this past season— good for sixth-best among all players in the league.

Prediction: Kyle Schwarber

4. How many RUNS WILL BE SCORED in the WBC Championship Game?

0-13+, 0-10, 0-7, 0-4
4-7, 7-10, 10-13+
7-10, 10-13+

Three of the five WBC Championship games all-time exceeded eight total runs, and four of them exceeded five. The only final that saw less than five runs was the 2013 edition in which the Dominican Republic beat Puerto Rico 3-0. This game should see at least five runs. 

Prediction: 4-7

5. Which trio of players includes the 2026 World Baseball Classic MVP?

Judge, Schwarber, Witt Jr.
Guerrero Jr., Soto, Tatís Jr.
Ohtani, Yoshida, Suzuki
None of the above

This pick depends on who you think will win it all. Assuming the DR and USA each take care of business in the quarterfinals, the winner of that heavyweight matchup in the semis will likely win it all. Team Dominican Republic has looked incredibly sharp all tournament, going 4-0 in pool play behind the likes of superstars Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatís Jr.

Prediction: Guerrero Jr., Soto, Tatís Jr.

6. Which pitching staff will have the MOST STRIKEOUTS in the Knockout Stage?

USA, Japan, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico 

Because we have the DR taking it home, they’ll end up playing in the most games which would likely result in them having the most strikeouts of any team on that side of the bracket. On the other side, Japan is the favorite to advance to the final. We’ll go with the DR again, as they boast the likes of aces Cristopher Sánchez and Sandy Alcantara.

Prediction: Dominican Republic

Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports

DAIKIN PARK (Houston) – Team USA has kept its hopes of avenging that loss to Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship Game. It has work to do to get back to that point, though, starting against a Canada team that has a different defeat to avenge. 

Tonight’s WBC quarterfinals bout at the home of the Houston Astros will be the latest round of the countries’ sports rivalry that saw the USA beat Canada in both the Olympic gold-medal men’s and women’s hockey games last month.

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“I think it would be great to avenge it,” said Team Canada baseball manager Ernie Whitt. 

“Obviously, we’re all aware of it,” added Team Canada starting pitcher Michael Soroka. “We all took a lot (of flak) in the clubhouses during that game, the day after especially, and it would be nice. But, again, we’re not chasing results. We’re not chasing a story. We’re just going to go out there and play our brand of baseball and let everything fall as they may.”

Canada will be heading into Friday’s game after advancing into the WBC quarterfinals for the first time in the country’s history. The U.S. meanwhile, will be trying to demonstrate that its last game was just a blip. 

Team USA’s loaded roster nearly didn’t make it out of pool play after losing to Team Italy, but that same Italian club also pushed the U.S. through to the next round by taking care of Mexico in its final game of Pool B. 

“Hats off to them,” said USA manager Mark DeRosa about Italy. “They bailed us out.” 

Team USA’s coaching staff watched that Italy-Mexico game from pitching coach Andy Pettitte’s house in Houston, while many of the players gathered in a conference room in the hotel. An early onslaught by Italy led to high-fives and fist-bumps, giving the U.S. “a new lease on life,” as DeRosa described it. 

If that’s not motivation enough, Team USA also received a message from Team USA hockey hero Jack Hughes, who tried to fire the group up. 

Now, the U.S. has to take advantage. 

“Not the situation we wanted to be in,” said Team USA pitcher Logan Webb, who is slated to start the quarterfinal game against Soroka. “But here we are, on to Canada. And we got three more to win.” 

Webb will be making his second start of the WBC after allowing one run and striking out six over four innings in USA’s opener against Brazil. This time, the bullpen behind him will take on a different look. 

Roster changes are afoot for USA’s pitching staff. Relievers Will Vest, Tyler Rogers and Tim Hill will be joining the team in place of Ryan Yarbrough, Michael Wacha and Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who made one start for Team USA before returning to Detroit. 

In addition, pitching duo Matthew Boyd and Clay Holmes are both expected to return to the Cubs and Mets, respectively, as they build up for the season. Neither was slated to be a starter in the tournament, and DeRosa couldn’t guarantee them innings the way he could in pool play. 

“Trying to weave our way through it from a pitching standpoint, all bets are off now,” DeRosa said. 

Following the quarterfinals, Twins All-Star Joe Ryan is expected to sub in for Clayton Kershaw and is lined up to pitch at some point along with Nolan McLean, should the U.S. reach the final.

Canada has not beaten the U.S. in the WBC in 20 years, but the memories of that 2006 victory are still at the forefront. 

“What I remember is the highlights that they play every year at the Baseball Canada banquet,” Soroka said. “I get to see those over and over again, and they don’t get old.” 

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Link to Original Article - on Fox Sports