Coming up at the World Baseball Classic
Through two days of competition, one team (Venezuela) has emerged as a clear Group front-runner. The Venezuelans are 2-0 in Group D, and need only one more victory (against either Israel or Nicaragua) to advance.
Mexico’s victory over Team USA muddled the Group C situation. Canada and Colombia have both won their only game, while Mexico and the U.S. are both 1-1. Only Great Britain, at 0-2, appears out of contention.
With Groups A and B wrapped up, the focus Monday shifts to the U.S.-based Groups C in Phoenix and D in Miami.
In Phoenix, Team USA will face a borderline must-win contest with Canada, which will be coming off its blowout win over Great Britain. A loss in that game and the U.S. will fall to 1-2. If that happens, the USA would need a victory over Colombia Wednesday plus some help to advance.
Colombia, meanwhile, will play Britain with a chance to go to 2-0 in the bracket.
In Miami, the Venezuelans — having put away Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic on successive days ‚ get a spa day Monday while their chief rivals face must-win games of their own against perceived lesser opponents. The Dominicans play Nicaragua in the afternoon game, followed by Puerto Rico against Israel Monday night.
The Group A and B qualifiers begin elimination play Wednesday when Australia faces Cuba in Tokyo. Thursday’s game will send Japan against Italy. Both are elimination contests.