The Americans aren’t here by mistake. They’ve played well all tournament long, but they did need a few strokes of luck against the Japanese on Tuesday night. Thanks to a misplayed routine grounder to third, Team USA capitalized cashing in the winning run.
A win is a win though and the American’s are now in a rematch of last week’s Friday qualifying finale with Puerto Rico. For the States to leave Dodger’s Stadium victorious, they’ll need to rely on their bats. What has separated them from the pack thus far has been their power. Adam Jones and Buster Posey each lead the team with two dingers in the tournament while Brandon Crawford has also been solid in support, chipping in a .444 average with three doubles, a triple and four RBI.
Meanwhile, on the mound, the team turns to Toronto Blue Jay ace Marcus Stroman. The Stro Show is no stranger to big games but has given up 11 hits in 9.1 innings thus far in the WBC. He has tossed in six strikeouts, but also carries a 1.29 WHIP. While Stroman is one of the best young pitchers in the game, there’s a chance the month of March isn’t usually his peak time.
…just a chance.
The Americans will have their hands full tonight with an action packed Puerto Rico lineup. If they can master some tight defense and keep them off the bags, they’ve got a good shot at taking home the title.
Betting on Puerto Rico
Money: -165
The Puerto Rican squad has been electric at the dish. Led by Carlos Correa’s sterling 1.463 OPS, this team has made it this far because of an all-around bolstered lineup. Between Correa’s three dingers along with Yadier Molina and Jose Altuve’s two each, they’ve been terrorizing WBC teams through the skies. However, thanks to a hefty pitching lineup, they’ve also kept the opposition off the bags.
Tonight, their mound will feature New York Mets right-hander Seth Lugo, who statistically is the best pitcher remaining in the tourney. He’s pitched 11.0 innings with a 2.45 ERA and WBC-best 0.64 WHIP. Following behind Lugo to close out the show will be young Seattle Mariner blue-chip prospect Edwin Diaz. He is 1-0 in the tournament and through 5.1 innings pitched, he’s posted a team-best 9 strikeouts.
If Puerto Rico can contain the States’ power hitters and knock Stroman off his game early, they’ve got this one in the bag.
Writer’s Prediction
Puerto Rico wins their first World Baseball Classic with some ninth inning magic 5-3.
