Thursday’s Results
Canada (3-1) 7, Cuba (2-2) 2 – Cuba’s best pitchers couldn’t get it done, and for the first time, Cuba failed to advance out of pool play at the World Baseball Classic. Livan Moinelo, possibly the best starter outside Major League Baseball, went 3 2/3 innings and allowed an unearned run before turning the ball over to Yariel Rodriguez, who allowed 4 runs in 1 2/3 innings, including a homer to Abraham Toro.
Italy (4-0) 9, Mexico (3-1) 1 – Italy went 4-0 to win Pool B behind three solo homers from Vinnie Pasquantino and five shutout innings from starter Aaron Nola. The win marks the first time Italy has won its pool at the WBC, and they’ll advance to the elimination games for the second consecutive tournament.
Dominican Republic (4-0) 7, Venezuela (3-1) 5 – Venezuela got the go-ahead run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth but couldn’t get the job done, and now will have to face Japan in the quarterfinals, while the Dominican Republic and their multi-billion dollar batting order will face South Korea.
Quartfinal Schedule
All times Eastern Daylight Time
Friday, March 13
6:30 p.m. – South Korea vs. Dominican Republic – loanDepot Park – TV: FS2
8 p.mm – Canada vs. United States – Daikin Park – TV: FOX
Saturday, March 14
3 p.m. – Puerto Rico vs. Italy – Daikin Park – TV: FS1
9 p.m. – Venezuela vs. Japan – loanDepot Park – TV: FOX
Photo: Miami’s loanDepot Park will host the semifinals and finals of the World Baseball Classic in 2026, the second tournament in a row it has done so. (Getty Images)
