World Baseball Classic Roundup: Venezuela Keeps Cruising

Venezuela 4, Nicaragua 1

What Happened: Nicaragua’s Erasmo Ramirez kept Venezuela off the board for three innings, giving Nicaragua a chance take an early lead. But once Nicaragua had to go to the pen, an RBI single by Andres Gimenez, a two RBI single by Eugenio Suarez and an RBI double by Anthony Santander gave Venezuela all the runs it needed to improve to 3-0.

Stars of the Game: Santander went 2-for-2 with a double, two walks, a run scored and an RBI. Suarez had two hits. Ramirez worked three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out three. Nicaragua’s Benjamin Alegria had three hits. The 25-year-old hit .500 in 12 tournament at-bats.

What It Means: Venezuela can start making its plans for the quarterfinals. If the Dominican Republic beats Israel tonight, that will clinch a spot for Venezuela, which has already beaten the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Even if that doesn’t happen, Venezuela’s path to the next round looks pretty clear. Nicaragua’s pool play is over and at 0-4, they are relegated and will have to qualify for the next World Baseball Classic.

Team USA Bounces Back, Mercy Rules Canada 12-1

Mike Trout hit his first WBC homer and Team USA routed Canada, 12-1, in seven innings to bounce back from an ugly loss.