WBC Daily: Japan’s Reign Ends; Italy’s Espresso-Fueled Run Continues

We are down to the final four of the World Baseball Classic, and we’ll have a new champion.  Defending champion Japan is out after losing to Venezuela in Saturday’s quarterfinals. The South American squad now joins two star-studded powerhouses and one espresso-powered surprise for the semifinals in Miami.  Italy took down Puerto Rico earlier on … Read more

4 Takeaways From Italy’s World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal Win Over Puerto Rico

DAIKIN PARK (Houston) – Time to get beaned up, Miami.  The magical run continues for undefeated Italy, which will be taking its Armani suits, espresso machines, cheek-kisses and, most importantly, high-powered offense to the World Baseball Classic semifinals after holding off a late charge from Puerto Rico in Saturday’s quarterfinal to seal an 8-6 win. Here … Read more

WBC Daily: Dominican Republic Keeps Hittin’ Home Runs; USA Reaches Semifinals

Team USA was able to hold off Canada to reach the World Baseball Classic semifinals, and now Aaron Judge and Co. will take on the hard-hitting Dominican Republic – a squad that cannot stop launching dingers.  A big-time semifinal clash in Miami awaits us on Sunday between two tournament favorites. But before we get to … Read more

‘Great To Avenge It:’ Canada Eyes WBC Upset Over USA After Olympic Hockey Defeats

DAIKIN PARK (Houston) – Team USA has kept its hopes of avenging that loss to Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship Game. It has work to do to get back to that point, though, starting against a Canada team that has a different defeat to avenge.  Tonight’s WBC quarterfinals bout at the home … Read more

USA vs. Canada World Baseball Classic: Starters, Lineups, How To Watch

Team USA needed some help, but the star-studded lineup led by Yankees superstar Aaron Judge and Pirates ace Paul Skenes can turn their attention to the quarterfinals at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.   The USA finished as Pool B runner-up after a shocking loss to Italy. Prior to that defeat, the USA had defeated … Read more

World Baseball Classic Power Rankings: All 8 Quarterfinalists Ranked

It’s not surprising to see Japan and the Dominican Republic emerge from World Baseball Classic pool play undefeated. The third unbeaten squad, though? It’s not who anyone would’ve expected.  The 20-team field is down to eight, and while pool play didn’t go the way Team USA would’ve envisioned, the dream team survived thanks to Italy’s … Read more

2026 World Baseball Classic MVP Odds: Shohei Ohtani Holds Steady as Favorite

Shohei Ohtani captured MVP in the 2023 World Baseball Classic after leading Japan to its third WBC title in the most spectacular fashion.  And in 2026, he’s on pace to grab the trophy once more.  Here are the latest odds at FanDuel Sportsbook as of March 12. This page may contain affiliate links to legal … Read more

WBC Daily: Canada Hands Cuba a Historic Loss; Italy and 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 | … Read more

4 Takeaways From Italy’s World Baseball Classic Win Over Mexico

Daikin Park (Houston) — Buongiorno, buon pomeriggio, buonanotte. One night after upsetting Team USA for the biggest victory in Italy baseball history, there was no letdown Wednesday for Italy (4-0) as it finished off a remarkable undefeated run to win Pool B and — finally, officially — help punch USA’s (3-1) ticket to the quarterfinals by … Read more

USA Into 2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal Round; Italy Eliminates Mexico

It came down to the wire, but Team USA is moving on. With Italy’s 9-1 win over Mexico in the final game of Pool B play, the United States has advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Baseball Classic as the group’s runner-up. Italy will take on Puerto Rico, runners-up of Pool A, … Read more