The WBC became a spicy meatball last night when Team Italy pulled off a stunning upset of vaunted Team USA, taking down the favorites in a game that went right down to the wire. Cal Raleigh did not play, but Gabe Speier contributed an inning of scoreless relief – although after the USA was already in a hole thanks to early home runs by Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci, and Jac Caglianone. For Team Italy, Dominic Canzone went 0-for-4 with a walk. Former Mariners Dan Altvailla and Matt Festa both pitched for Team Italy and each
gave up a run as the USA tried to claw their way back into this, but Boston’s Greg Weissert came in and shut the door with two massive strikeouts, none bigger than this one:
What has been a controversial week for Team USA got even more controversial when manager Mark DeRosa admitted to not fully understanding the elimination process during pool play, and then his statement saying so was quickly scrubbed off the official MLB website. Mes-sy.
Now Team USA’s fate is out of its hands; they will have to wait and see how Italy and Mexico’s game turns out tonight. Here are the scenarios:
Italy wins: USA advances along with Team Italy to the quarterfinals
Mexico wins: In any scenario, if Mexico wins, Mexico advances. If Mexico wins but scores four or fewer runs, Team USA is eliminated and Mexico and Italy advance; if Mexico scores five or more runs, Team USA advances along with Mexico. (In regulation, and things get confusing if they score exactly five runs, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.)
Other game results:
Canada 3, Puerto Rico 2
Canada handed Team PR their first loss of the tournament. Josh Naylor went 0-for-4.
Israel 6, Netherlands 2
Mariners prospect Charlie Beilenson turned in another solid performance for Team Israel, this time going 1.2 innings in relief and walking two but allowing no runs or hits.
Today’s Contests:
Cuba vs. Canada, 11 AM PT (FS2, Fox Deportes)
This game has big stakes for Canada: if they win, they take first place in Pool A. If they lose, they’re eliminated.
Mexico vs. Italy, 3 PM PT (FS1)
Obviously the game everyone will be watching. Who are you rooting for?
Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic, 4 PM PT (Tubi)
It kind of sucks that the USA drama means this game between two undefeated teams – the Latin World Cup – is getting shunted to Tubi as Venezuela and the DR vie for who will win Pool D. Get a second screen for this one.
