HOUSTON — Team USA, after a wakeup call that nearly cost them a quarterfinal berth, dramatically changed its starting lineup from the loss to Italy for Friday’s World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against Canada.
USA manager Mark DeRosa put first baseman Bryce Harper back in the lineup instead of Paul Goldschmidt. Third baseman Alex Bregman replaces Gunnar Henderson. Second baseman Brice Turang replaces Ernie Clement.
Home-run champion Cal Raleigh is behind the plate instead of Will Smith.
The lineup is similar to their Game 1 victory over Brazil, 15-5. The biggest difference is that red-hot Pete Crow Armstrong, who hit two homers on Wednesday, replaces Bryon Buxton in center field. He bats ninth in the lineup while Turang moves up to the eighth spot.
San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb takes the mound for Team USA after starting the pool opener against Brazil. The 29-year-old gave up a leadoff home run but didn’t surrender another hit, finishing with six strikeouts and no walks in four innings.
Starting pitcher: RHP Logan Webb
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