USA defeats Canada 5–3, advances to World Baseball Classic semifinals

The United States punched their ticket to the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a 5–3 win over Canada in the quarterfinals. Closer Mason Miller, of the San Diego Padres, sealed the victory in dominant fashion by striking out the side in the ninth inning.

USA takes early lead, avoids Canada comeback

Starting pitcher Logan Webb delivered an impressive performance for Team USA. He threw 71 pitches over 4.2 scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out five batters.

The United States struck first in the opening inning. Kyle Schwarber hit a ground ball that allowed Bobby Witt Jr. to score, giving Team USA an early 1–0 lead.

In the third inning, Alex Bregman delivered an RBI single that brought Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge home, extending the lead to 3–0.

Team USA added two more runs in the sixth inning. Brice Turang drove in Roman Anthony, and shortly after, Pete Crow-Armstrong singled to bring Cal Raleigh across the plate, pushing the score to 5–0 and putting Canada in a difficult spot.

Canada finally got on the board in the same inning when Tyler Black ripped an RBI single that scored Owen Caissie, making it 5–1. Later in the sixth, Bo Naylor launched a two-run home run to left-center field, bringing home Tyler Black and cutting the deficit to 5–3.

That would be as close as Canada would get.

Semifinal matchup set

With the victory, the United States advances to face the Dominican Republic in the semifinals.

The game will be played Sunday at 8:00 PM ET at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.

The Dominican Republic earned its semifinal spot earlier by dominating South Korea national baseball team 10–0 in their quarterfinal matchup.

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