HOUSTON.- The defending champion Japan leads the electrifying quarterfinal round of the World Baseball Classic 2026where Venezuela will seek to overthrow the Asian giant, while USA faces Canada and the Latin power of Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico threatens to dominate the final stretch.
Venezuela, thermometer of the Asian giant
Japan advanced undefeated by dominating Group C, securing a place in the top eight after a close 4-3 win over Australiain their most complicated match of the key.
With consistent pitching and deep offense, the phenomenon Shohei Ohtaniof the Los Angeles Dodgerssets the pace for the samurai, who are seeking their fourth title since the tournament’s inauguration in 2006.
Ohtani summed up the Japanese mentality: “In tournaments like this there will always be difficult games. Winning games like this (against Australia) creates momentum.” That perspective will be a litmus test against Venezuela, which will arrive focused on its offensive rhythm.
Venezuela, which advanced from Group D as second (3-1) behind the Dominican Republic, has figures such as the outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves) and the first baseman Luis Arraez (San Francisco Giants), whose consistent hitting was decisive in Miami to seal the ticket to the quarterfinals.
Japan and Venezuela will close the quarterfinals on Saturday at LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.
American classic
The United States (3-1) reached the quarterfinals wrapped in drama after surprisingly losing 8-6 to Italycomplicating their classification in Group B.
The manager Mark DeRosa He admitted his mistake: “I completely misinterpreted the calculations.” His confusion with the tiebreaker system created tension in Houston.
The selection of the stars and stripes, with figures such as the ranger Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) and the first baseman Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies), remains a favorite for its offensive power and variety on the roster, although now it is looking askance at the series against Canada.
Canada (3-1), leader of group (A) for the first time, arrives with confidence and renewed strategy. Your manager Ernie Whitt He highlighted the strength of his pitching after a key 4-3 victory against Puerto Rico: “We can’t ask for more from our pitchers… They are sharp.”
The North American duel will take place on Friday at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros.
Quisqueya takes Miami
In the duel that defined the leader of Group D, the Dominican Republic (4-0) beat Venezuela 7-5 on Wednesday in Miami, with home runs from Ketel Marte (Arizona rattlesnakes), Juan Soto (New York Mets), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays) and Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres), securing his ticket among the top eight of the tournament.
“It was a tremendous game for the Dominican Republic and Venezuela… Our offense can do a lot of damage,” he said. Albert Pujolsthe pilot of the Quisqueyans, who are looking for a second title after the one achieved in 2013.
South Koreasecond (2-2) in Group C, will face a major challenge against the Dominican lineup on Friday in Miami. The Asians were finalists in 2009 and semi-finalists in 2006.
European surprise vs Caribbean tradition
Italy reached the quarterfinals with a perfect record in Group B (4-0) after surprising the favorite United States 8-6 and overwhelming 9-1 Mexico on Wednesday at the closing of the key.
“We won four games, well won. It was the goal,” said the manager of the Europeans, the Venezuelan Francisco Cervelli. “I don’t know how to process this yet,” the pilot, who arrived in the dugout a year and four months ago, reacted with emotion.
Puerto Rico, second in Group A (3-1), advanced with offensive balance and solid pitching, supported by talents that stood out in the group stage. Your manager Yadier Molina conveyed confidence in a competitive roster ready to face the European surprise on Saturday in Houston.
“Our strength is pitching and defense, we are not an offensive team, but we are confident and we are going from less to more,” said the former Puerto Rican receiver, finalists in 2013 and 2017.
