Very impressive by Canada, beating both PR and Cuba. They certainly earned their top spot in the group. But their success is being overshadowed by Italy, which (on Tuesday) beat the U.S., 8-6, and then came back the next day (yesterday) to crush Mexico, 9-1!
I saw a clip from an interview with the US manager, who apparently didn't realize they needed to win against Italy to be assured of going through to the quarter finals. There was some explanation about the rules being complicated that I found ... unconvincing.
My partner and I have each picked a non-US team to cheer for. He chose Japan, and I'm pulling for the Dominican Republic.
A major shake-up at the World Baseball Classic. On the one side, things developed as you might expect: Dominican Republic crushed Korea; while USA held on to beat Canada in a close game. USA and DR will play against each other in the semifinal.
But on the other side of the bracket! Venezuela beat Japan, 8-5! Defending champion Japan is out of the tournament. And who will Venezuela face in the semifinal? Oh, that would be Italy, who beat Puerto Rico, 8-6. Italy has now beaten USA, Mexico and Puerto Rico!
I just want to add that Venezuela certainly earned the title. Let's not forget that they also beat the defending champ, Japan, back in the quarterfinals.
I'm looking forward to the season starting. We have two teams here for Spring Training. Traffic before and after the games is brutal! If both teams play, we just might as well stay home, rather than get into that traffic.
I'm looking forward to the season starting. We have two teams here for Spring Training. Traffic before and after the games is brutal! If both teams play, we just might as well stay home, rather than get into that traffic.
Let the best team win!
As hot as it will be the next few days down there, stay home. No need to get heat exhaustion.
Comments
If Italy beats Mexico today, looks like Italy and the USA also go through.
[Edit: Typo amended. - Wesley J, Circus Host]
My partner and I have each picked a non-US team to cheer for. He chose Japan, and I'm pulling for the Dominican Republic.
But on the other side of the bracket! Venezuela beat Japan, 8-5! Defending champion Japan is out of the tournament. And who will Venezuela face in the semifinal? Oh, that would be Italy, who beat Puerto Rico, 8-6. Italy has now beaten USA, Mexico and Puerto Rico!
And Spring Training is in its last few days. The season officially starts next Wednesday. We are almost there!
Let the best team win!
As hot as it will be the next few days down there, stay home. No need to get heat exhaustion.