Team USA advanced to the World Baseball Classic finals after a 14-2 win against Cuba, with Trea Turner leading the way with two home runs. USA will face either Mexico or Japan in the championship game. USA has scored in every inning in the semifinals, and there is no mercy rule in effect. Miles Mikolas is warming up in the bullpen, while Adam Wainwright has retired 12 of the last 14 batters he’s faced. USA currently holds a 5-1 lead in the third inning against Cuba. The team is hoping to save their high leverage relievers and go into Tuesday’s championship game with those players well-rested.
Team USA Dominates Cuba to Secure Spot in World Baseball Classic Finals
In a dominant display, Team USA advanced to the World Baseball Classic finals by defeating Cuba 14-2. The game was well in hand for the United States by the eighth inning, and the team’s spot in the finals was secure.
Trea Turner Homers Twice
Trea Turner led the charge with two home runs, giving him three in the last 24 hours and four in the tournament, the most in the WBC. Turner also had a chance at a three-homer game when he came to bat in the eighth inning.
Mercy Rule Not in Effect
Despite their big lead, the mercy rule did not come into effect, so USA continued to score in every inning. Nolan Arenado took a pitch to the hand in the sixth inning and was removed as a precaution, but X-rays on his hand were negative.
USA to Face Mexico or Japan in Championship Game
Team USA will face either Mexico or Japan in the championship game. The Mexico vs. Japan game will take place on Monday night, and the championship game will be on Tuesday night. USA has the chance to save their high leverage relievers and go into Tuesday’s championship game with those guys well-rested.
USA Takes Early Lead Against Cuba in World Baseball Classic Semifinals
Team USA got off to a strong start against Cuba in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, scoring in every inning thus far. The team currently holds a 5-1 lead in the third inning, with the bases loaded and one out.
Strong Performances from Wainwright and Mikolas
Adam Wainwright pitched a quick fourth inning, retiring 12 of the last 14 batters he faced. However, with a pitch count of 64, it’s possible that he will be replaced soon by someone like Brady Singer or Kyle Freeland. Miles Mikolas is currently warming up in the bullpen.
Turner and Goldschmidt Lead the Charge
Trea Turner hit his third homer of the WBC, while Paul Goldschmidt also hit a home run to contribute to the team’s lead. USA has been effective at the plate, scoring in every inning so far.
No Mercy Rule in Effect
There is no mercy rule in effect in the semifinals, so USA will continue to try to add to their lead. Cuba has gone through three pitchers already, but they still have some strong arms in their bullpen.
Despite a leadoff single in the first inning, Wainwright was able to navigate the jam and keep Cuba from scoring. His performance, along with strong hitting from Turner and Goldschmidt, has put Team USA in a good position early in the game.
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