Team USA is in. But they needed a favor to get there in the World Baseball Classic.
Italy’s dominant 9-1 win over Mexico Wednesday night in Houston punched the Americans’ ticket to the quarterfinals — and sent Mexico home. The U.S. spent the night watching from the couch, biting their nails, hoping the same team that stunned them 8 to 6 on Tuesday would bail them out. They did.
Team USA will now face Canada in the quarterfinals on Friday night in Houston — single elimination, no more safety nets.
The good news? Logan Webb and Paul Skenes — arguably the two best right-handed pitchers in baseball — are lined up to start the Americans’ next two games, and the pitch limit jumps to 80 in the knockout round, giving them real length.
Tuesday’s loss was a wake-up call. Friday against Canada — it’s win or go home.
Play ball.
Comments