Quarterfinals have begun in the World Baseball Classic, with 2 teams from Pool A, Pool B, Pool C, and Pool D all making the Quarterfinals. From Pool A: Canada and Puerto Rico, from Pool B: Italy and USA, from Pool C: Japan and Korea, and finally, from Pool D: Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
The first game that would be played is Korea vs. Dominican Republic, Friday, March 13 at 6:30 PM EST. The second game, USA vs. Canada, took place on Friday, at 8 PM EST. The third game, Puerto Rico vs. Italy, took place on Saturday, March 14 at 3 PM EST. The final quarterfinals game, Venezuela vs. Japan, took place on Saturday, at 9 PM EST. Starting off with the first game, the Dominican Republic has a very stacked team this year, featuring the Mets’ Juan Soto, the highest paid athlete in history, the Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr, arguably the best first baseman in the league, and the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr, a hard hitting outfielder with lots of power. Korea doesn’t have much competition to beat the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic would win the game 10-0 with a mercy rule in the 7th inning.
The next game, USA vs Canada, one of the most popular games due to the countries’ rivalry. USA has a whopping four former MVP award winners on their roster, including the team USA Captain, the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, the Phillies’ Bryce Harper, the Yankees’ Paul Goldschmidt, and the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw. Team USA also has Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, who posted a very impressive 1.97 ERA last season. Lastly, the young 21-year old Red Sox star, Roman Anthony, has already hit a home run in the WBC, making him the youngest player on team USA to hit a homerun. USA would end up winning the game 5-3.
The third game, Puerto Rico vs Italy, was a very good game. Puerto Rico has star third baseman Nolan Arenado who was recently traded to the Diamondbacks, and NL Reliever of the Year, Edwin Diaz, who is the newly acquitted Dodger. Italy has their captain, Vinnie Pasquantino, from the Royals, who recently broke the WBC record for most home runs in a game with 3 against Mexico. Italy would end up winning the game 8-6.
The final game, Japan vs. Venezuela, was a very good game which ended in an Venezuela upset. Team Japan is stacked this year, with MVP Shohei Ohtani from the Dodgers, elite pitcher Yoshinobo Yamamoto also from the Dodgers, and the Slugging Red Sox’ Masataka Yoshida. Venezuela also has a very good team, with star powerful outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr from the Braves, catcher Salvador Perez, and 2x Gold Glove winner outfielder Wilyer Abreu. Venezuela took a surprising victory over Japan, winning 8-5.
I think the WBC this year will be very enjoyable, with the Dominican Republic, USA, Italy, and Venezuela advancing to the next round.
