WBC Daily: Canada Hands Cuba a Historic Loss; Italy, USA Advance, Mexico Out

Team USA will see its WBC campaign continue thanks to Italy’s espresso-powered home runs. And two teams with high hopes are going home early. It’s the final day of World Baseball Classic pool play, and we’re in for some drama. Recapping Wednesday’s action. JUMP TO:  Canada In, Cuba Out | USA Awaits Italy-Mexico Winner | D.R., Venezuela In Heavyweight Bout Canada Wins Pool A; Cuba’s First-Round Exit Ever Canada advanced past the first round of the World Baseball Classic for the first time, beating Cuba 7-2 Wednesday in a winner-take-all game at San Juan, Puerto Rico, behind Abraham Toro’s homer and Otto Lopez’s two-run single. Cuba, one of the premier baseball countries in the world, was knocked out in the first round for the first time in the tournament’s history. Brothers Bo Naylor and Josh Naylor drove in runs, Owen Caissie had two RBIs and reliever James Paxton struck out six over 2 2/3 scoreless innings for Canada (3-1), which eliminated the Cubans (2-2) and won Group A over Puerto Rico (3-1). Canada and Puerto Rico will play the quarterfinals in Houston this weekend. Mexico Takes On Italy; USA Awaits Fate Team USA can thank Vinnie Pasquantino and Italy for advancing into the quarterfinals. Behind the Royals’ slugger’s three home runs, Italy throttled Mexico to win Pool B and move into the knockout rounds. Team USA, who lost to Italy on Tuesday, will finish as the group’s runners-up and next take on Canada on Saturday in Houston. It proved to be a bitter exit for a Mexico team that had plenty of MLB talent but couldn’t muster only single run against the Italians. As for Pasquantino, it is the first game in WBC history where a hitter has scored three homers. Italy will take on Puerto Rico in what should be a riveting quarterfinal game on Friday, also in Houston. Dominican Republic, Venezuela To Settle Pool D It’s a match between two WBC heavyweights with plenty at stake. And the atmosphere in Miami should be electric. Both teams are undefeated entering their final game at loanDepot Park having already clinched quarterfinal spots. But just listing the players who’ll be on the field for these times. Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Julio Rodríguez, Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. for the Dominican Republic. Ronald Acuña Jr., Salvador Perez, Jackson Chourio, Luis Arraez and more on Venezuela.Potential rematch in the WBC Championship Game next Tuesday, anyone?