USA defeated Cuba in a historic World Baseball Classic game, securing a spot in the finals against the winner of the Japan-Mexico game. There were concerns of political unrest, but the game proceeded with little drama on the field. USA third baseman Nolan Arenado spoke about his family’s sacrifices and the pride he felt in representing his country. USA starter Adam Wainwright showcased his mental toughness once again, dominating Cuba and executing pitches flawlessly. The US team’s victory was a team effort, with everyone in the starting lineup contributing to the win, including Trea Turner and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who combined for three home runs, eight RBI, and four runs scored.
Team USA dominates Cuba to advance to World Baseball Classic Finals
Team USA will advance to the World Baseball Classic finals after a dominant performance against Cuba, winning 14-2 in front of a sellout crowd of 35,779 at loanDepot Park in Miami. The US team will play the winner of the Japan-Mexico game on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET on FOX) for a chance to repeat as WBC champions.
The game was a complete contrast to the nail-biting victory over Venezuela on Saturday, with no last-minute heroics required to secure the win. Trea Turner was again the standout player, hitting two home runs and scoring four RBIs, bringing his total to four homers in the tournament, the most by any USA player in WBC history.
Turner, who had never started a game batting ninth in his order until this tournament, is now wondering if he should be higher up in the lineup, saying, “I would love to hit up in the order, but this lineup’s ridiculous. It doesn’t matter if you’re batting first, second, third, ninth, there’s probably going to be guys on base in front of because the lineup’s just so good. You never know when it’s going to be your moment.”
Despite the peaceful atmosphere inside the ballpark, heightened security measures were in place due to small, quiet protests outside the stadium, with protesters expressing their anger at Cuba playing its first game in Miami. Inside the stadium, the game was briefly halted three times when protesters ran across the field, but the fans cheered loudly as they were taken off the field with chants of “USA-USA-USA.”
Overall, it was a convincing win for the US team, with the fans at loanDepot Park excited to see their team advance to the finals.
Team USA Secures Dominant Victory Against Cuba in Historic Game
Team USA dominated Cuba in their historic game on Sunday, securing a convincing 14-2 victory in front of a sellout crowd at loanDepot Park in Miami. Despite concerns of possible political unrest, there were only scattered boos directed towards Chicago White Sox players Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert, who were playing for the Cuban team.
USA manager Mark DeRosa had braced the team for the possibility of commotion on their bus ride to the game, but there was little visible unrest. USA third baseman Nolan Arenado, whose father is Cuban, spoke about the historic game and the sacrifices his grandparents made to get his family to the United States.
“There’s a lot of feelings I feel toward it. I respect them, I respect the players, but we have a job to do,’’ Arenado said. When asked about Cuban players who elected to play for the Cuban national team, he declined to offer his opinion, but acknowledged that people are proud to represent their country.
Once the game began, there was little drama on the field as the US team scored in every inning, with at least two runs in all but one inning. Cuba had a promising start with its first four batters reaching base, leading 1-0 with the bases still loaded without an out. However, pitching coach Andy Pettitte settled down USA starter Adam Wainwright, and he cruised through the rest of the game. Wainwright allowed just two more hits over four innings, turning the game over to Miles Mikolas and Aaron Loup to close it out.
DeRosa’s decision to choose Wainwright, the oldest player on the roster at 41, to start the game proved to be a wise one. “I just think nothing will faze him,’’ DeRosa said before the game. “I think he’s pitched on the biggest stage, he’s succeeded on the biggest stage, he wants the ball. I think that’s half the battle in this.’’
The victory secured Team USA’s spot in the World Baseball Classic finals, where they will face the winner of the Japan-Mexico game on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET on FOX). It was a historic win for the US team and a testament to their skill and determination.
USA’s Wainwright Proves His Mental Toughness on International Stage
USA starter Adam Wainwright showcased his mental toughness once again on the international stage of the World Baseball Classic, dominating Cuba in a convincing victory. Wainwright, who has succeeded on the biggest stage for over 20 years, executed pitches flawlessly and didn’t let the moment get too big.
“I’m having so much,’’ Wainwright says. “I can’t believe it.’’
The US team’s victory was a team effort, with everyone in the starting lineup either reaching base or driving in a run. Trea Turner and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt led the way with three home runs, eight RBI, and four runs scored.
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