Nolan Arenado. Photo via USA Today
Both USA and Puerto Rico are set to play their third games of the World Baseball Classic.
In game one for the United States, they defeated Great Britain 6-2. Adam Wainwright was credited with the win, and the USA was led by Kyle Schwarber and his two-run home run offensively. In game two the USA was heated badly by Mexico, 11-5, and with that their chances of advancing out of pool play were greatly cut down.
Puerto Rico defeated Nicaragua 9-1 on Saturday. Marcus Stroman picked up the win, and Mets’ shortstop Francisco Lindor had a two-hit, one RBI game. Venezuela crushed Puerto Rican starter Jose Berrios on their way to a 9-6 win Monday.
Israel vs. Puerto Rico, 7:00 PM EST
Team Israel will have lefty Colton Gordon start for them. Gordon is a 24-year-old in the Houston Astros system. Israel has already turned heads this tournament after upsetting Nicaragua 3-1 on Monday to start 1-0. Garrett Stubbs was the hero with a huge two-out two-RBI single in the eighth.
Jose De Leon is on the mound for Puerto Rico. The former MLB pitcher had a 8.44 ERA in 48.0 innings pitched. Francisco Lindor leads the Puerto Rican team, batting leadoff.
Canada vs. USA, 10:00 PM EST
Canada is coming off a mercy-rule win over Great Britain. It was 18-8 after seven innings. Freddie Freeman leads Team Canada and is followed by Tyler O’Neill who went 4-for-4 with four runs and four RBIs last night.
Team USA is in a large hole after their blowout loss to Team Mexico on Monday. The United States pitching staff is just not good enough with their hitters failing. Mookie Betts has led off and is batting .100. Mike Trout is batting .167. Pete Alonso was 0-for-4 as the DH yesterday and Jeff McNeil is 1-for-8 in the tournament.
