Francisco Lindor. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
The first round of the NCAA Tournament starts tomorrow, but survive-and-advance is already taking shape in the WBC. Both Team USA and Puerto Rico face critical matchups on Wednesday night that could see them either advance to the quarterfinals, or have their championship dreams ended.
Puerto Rico enters Wednesday with a record of 2-1, beating Nicaragua and Israel (in which they completed a seven-inning perfect game), but losing to Venezuela. Team USA is also 2-1, scoring wins over Great Britain and Canada, but falling short against Mexico.
Cuba has already made it to the semifinals of the tournament after defeating Australia early Wednesday morning. Unbeaten Japan will face off against Mike Piazza and Italy on Thursday morning for another semifinal spot.
Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic, 7:00 P.M. EST
For Puerto Rico, their scenario is simple as they get set to face off against the Dominican Republic. The winner of that matchup will advance in Pool D, joining unbeaten Venezuela as the quarterfinal representatives from that pool Mets prospect Dominic Hamel was originally expected to start in the contest, but the team is now starting Reds pitcher Fernando Cruz.
Francisco Lindor is leading off for Puerto Rico, while former Met Javier Báez is batting fifth. Edwin Díaz has appeared in only one game thus far, so it’s likely he’ll make an appearance this evening.
USA vs. Colombia, 10:00 P.M. EST
For Team USA, they can control their own destiny with a victory tonight against Colombia in Pool C. Technically, the United States can still advance if they lose, but it will then come down to a tiebreaker to decide who makes it through between them, Columbia, and the loser of Wednesday’s Mexico vs. Canada game (Mexico leads 9-2 as of this writing).
Diamondbacks lefty Merrill Kelly will get the start for Team USA, and he will be opposed by Braves prospect Luis De Avila for Colombia. As of this writing, Team USA has not yet announced a lineup.
