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Team USA will see its WBC campaign continue thanks to Italy’s espresso-powered home runs. And two teams with high hopes are going home early.
It’s the final day of World Baseball Classic pool play, and we’re in for some drama. Recapping Wednesday’s action.
JUMP TO: Canada In, Cuba Out | USA Awaits Italy-Mexico Winner | D.R. Beats Venezuela In Heavyweight Bout
Canada Wins Pool A; Cuba’s First-Round Exit Ever
Canada advanced past the first round of the World Baseball Classic for the first time, beating Cuba 7-2 Wednesday in a winner-take-all game at San Juan, Puerto Rico, behind Abraham Toro’s homer and Otto Lopez’s two-run single.
Cuba, one of the premier baseball countries in the world, was knocked out in the first round for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Canada vs. Cuba Highlights ⚾️ World Baseball Classic on FOX
Brothers Bo Naylor and Josh Naylor drove in runs, Owen Caissie had two RBIs and reliever James Paxton struck out six over 2 2/3 scoreless innings for Canada (3-1), which eliminated the Cubans (2-2) and won Group A over Puerto Rico (3-1).
Canada and Puerto Rico will play the quarterfinals in Houston this weekend.
Mexico Takes On Italy; USA Awaits Fate
Team USA can thank Vinnie Pasquantino and Italy for advancing into the quarterfinals.
Behind the Royals’ slugger’s three home runs, Italy throttled Mexico to win Pool B and move into the knockout rounds. Team USA, who lost to Italy on Tuesday, will finish as the group’s runners-up and next take on Canada on Saturday in Houston.
It proved to be a bitter exit for a Mexico team that had plenty of MLB talent but couldn’t muster only single run against the Italians.
Vinnie Pasquantino hits solo home run, giving Italy early lead over Mexico
As for Pasquantino, it is the first game in WBC history where a hitter has scored three homers. Italy will take on Puerto Rico in what should be a riveting quarterfinal game on Friday, also in Houston.
Dominican Republic, Venezuela To Settle Pool D
It was game between two WBC heavyweights in an electric atmosphere in Miami.
The Dominican Republic defeated Venezuela to clinch Pool D, with both teams already having booked spots in the quarterfinals.
Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela Highlights ⚾️ World Baseball Classic on FOX
Juan Soto, Ketel Marte, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. all hit home runs for the Dominicans in the win.
The Dominican Republic advances to face Korea in the quarterfinals on March 13 in Miami. Venezuela must face defending champion Japan in its quarterfinal match at loanDepot Park.
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