Yesterday’s thrilling US-Mexico game was spoiled for many Mariners fans by the awkward interaction between Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena, which Nick will have a full piece breaking down with quotes from Dan Wilson later. For now, here’s a brief summary of what happened in Day 3 of the WBC, and a guide to watching today’s WBC games.
Games with no Mariners:
Dominican Republic 10, Israel 1
The DR blew out Israel without the help of Julio Rodríguez. With the win, Team DR clinched a quarterfinals spot for itself and for Team Venezuela;
the two will play each other to determine the winner of Pool D. Team Israel is eliminated from the tournament.
Great Britain 8, Brazil 1
In this battle between two eliminated teams, Great Britain clinches an invitation to the next WBC with their win. Brazil now has to go through the qualifier rounds to make it back to the next WBC. Former Mariner Harry Ford had a hit and an RBI in the game.
Czechia 0, Japan 9
This wasn’t as lopsided as the score suggests, as Czechia held Japan off the scoreboard into the eighth before the floodgates opened. Czechia was lifted by a strong effort from starter Ondřej Satoria, an electrical worker by trade who barely scrapes 80 on a radar game but who was last seen striking out Ohtani in the 2023 WBC, but ultimately their Cinderella story fell short. Japan continues as the top seed in Pool C.
Venezuela 4, Nicaragua 0
Ronald Acuña Jr. put on a show, going 3-for-3 with a homer in the victory. Team DR’s victory secured a spot in the quarterfinals for Venezuela. Nicaragua has been eliminated from the tournament.
Puerto Rico 4, Cuba 1
Even at diminished capacity, Team Puerto Rico remained undefeated. Former Astro Martín Maldonado had the big hit with a bases-clearing double. The win secured a spot in the quarterfinals for Team PR. Cuba and Canada are both still alive in pool play, but will need a string of things to go their way in order to advance.
Games with Mariners:
Colombia 4, Panama 3
After a scoreless tussle, Colombia broke through in a four-run sixth inning. Michael Arroyo had a hit and took a walk in the win, and scored Colombia’s first run of the game, hustling home on a short sacrifice fly. Minor-league off-season signing Guillo Zuñiga pitched an inning, allowing one run on three hits. Former Mariner Jose Caballero had two hits for Panama in the loss. Both teams have been eliminated from the tournament.
Mexico 3, United States 5
Mexico clawed back after the U.S. got out to a 5-0 lead with home runs from Aaron Judge and Roman Anthony, but the U.S. ultimately held on to win despite a pair of home runs from Jarren Duran for Mexico. With the win, the U.S. hasn’t yet clinched a spot in the next round yet; they’ll need to defeat a surprisingly spry Team Italy on Tuesday to do so. Team Mexico will also get their shot at. Team Italy on Wednesday, and will need to win that game to have a chance to advance. Randy Arozarena went 0-for-3 for Mexico with a strikeout and Cal Raleigh went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts.
Today’s contests:
Netherlands vs. Israel, 4 PM PT (Fox Sports, Fox Deportes)
Both teams are already eliminated and playing for pride at this point.
Puerto Rico vs. Canada, 4 PM PT (Tubi)
This will be an interesting one to watch, as Canada is fighting to remain in the tournament.
USA vs. Italy, 6 PM PT (FS1, Fox Deportes)
Cal Raleigh likely won’t play in this game, costing us a Cal-vs-Canzone matchup, but this should be a fun one to tune into anyway. Team Italy have been the darlings of the tournament so far but will face that powerful Team USA lineup.
