After hanging on by the thinnest of margins in their 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, Team USA can relax for 24 hours and await its opponent in the championship game.
The Americans will vie for their second WBC title against the winner of the semifinal between Venezuela and Italy on Monday evening. After pocketing one-run and two-run victories in the quarterfinals against Canada and the semis against the Dominican, Team USA appears well-constructed for knockout round play.
Team USA will play the Venezuela-Italy survivor on Tuesday, March 17 at Miami’s loanDepot Park. New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean is the scheduled starter, though it will be an all-hands pitching situation in this final. Fox Sports will broadcast, with Joe Davis and John Smoltz on the call.
The Americans and Venezuelans most recently met in the 2023 WBC quarterfinals, when Trea Turner’s grand slam boosted them to a 9-7 victory. Venezuela is seeking its first trip to the WBC championship game.
And of course should the Italians advance, it will be a rematch of their stunning 8-6 victory over Team USA in the final game of pool play, an outcome that put the Americans’ advancement into doubt.
Sunday, March 15 (semifinal)
Monday, March 16 (semifinal)
Tuesday, March 17 (championship game)