HOUSTON, TEX — David Bednar, we owe it to you.
Team USA lead Canada in the bottom of the sixth inning with two outs 5-0. Three batters later, it was 5-3 and the momentum shifted.
USA relievers Brad Keller and Gabe Speier combined to give up three runs, including a big two-run home run off the bat of Bo Naylor.
After USA’s offense failed to score in the bottom half of the inning, Mark DeRosa went to Bednar to protect the two-run lead. Two infield singles and a passed ball by Cal Raleigh later, Canada had two in scoring position with no outs.
This was in essence the game. And Bednar clutched up. He got a popup to third out of Josh Naylor, and strikeouts by Tyler O’Neill and Owen Cassie left the runners stranded.
“A lot of belief in David Bednar. He’s been in that situation before.” DeRosa said. “Always seems to find a way to make a pitch in a big spot. Gets the pop-up. Gets the punch-out to Tyler O’Neill. And then battles against Owen Caissie, who has been swinging the heck out of the bat this entire tournament. Just a lot of belief in the guys.”
DeRosa also mentioned that he knows Bednar’s toughness from the 2023 WBC, where he pitched for DeRosa.
“We see it with Bednar, gets in a tough spot, but if you looked at our whole defense, we knew he was going to come through for us big time.” Team captain Aaron Judge said of his New York Yankees teammate.
New York acquired Bednar from the Pirates in July and he provided consistency in their bullpen down the stretch to the ALDS.
Sunday vs. Team DR
Mar 13, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Dominican Republic first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., left, and center fielder Julio Rodrguez celebrate scoring a run against the Korea in the second inning during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The USA will face their biggest test yet on Sunday. They will head to LoanDepot Park and face off with the undefeated Team Dominican Republic.
They are led by first-time manager and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols. After winning a winter league title in his debut coaching stint with Escogido Leones, he was unanimously chosen to lead the national squad for the 2026 tournament.
Team DR’s offense has been the best of any team so far in the tournament. Their offense features an unrivaled outfield of Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, and Fernando Tatis Jr., plus perennial MVP candidate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base.
Team USA will be facing Athletics starter Luis Severino in the matchup. In his last WBC outing against Team Netherlands, he pitched four innings giving up one run.
Team USA will be sending out reigning National League Cy Young Winner Paul Skenes against the best lineup the WBC has to offer. It will be as close to a playoff game as Skenes has pitched in to this point in his career.
“The boys are excited, that’s for sure.” Judge said on the matchup with Team DR. “Definitely getting a taste for playoff atmosphere in March, definitely gets the juices flowing a little bit”
Judge also added that he likes “any game that Paul Skenes pitches”.
Currently, sports books favor Team USA in the matchup between the powerhouses.
The matchup will take place Sunday night at 8:00pm EST from LoanDepot Park in Miami. The game will be aired on FS1.
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