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Where is England.
Thats going to be an suprb event
I have no interest in or knowledge of Baseball...I only came here to read what Paul Kevin had posted
I wasn't let down
The Caribbean produces a lot of fantastic athletes with great genetic gifts.
I watched a 30 for 30 on the pitcher El Duque and his brother who came from Cuba. I feel so bad for the Cuban athletes, knowing that they live in communism when if they could just get about 100 miles north to America, they could live like kings with the skill and athleticism they have!
So many crazy athletes down there with the African heritage. Usain Bolt is a freak of nature, could have been a great in any sport he applied himself to. Imagine if they had baseball in Jamaica
It's a global event, my friends!
As opposed to the "World Series", which in reality is really the championship of the Major Leagues in the U.S., this is a representation of many countries across the globe, competing in a sport which apparently is more popular than some people let on. There's teams from Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, South America, and the Caribbean.
From the different Pools shown, it appears the toughest Pool is D, with Pools A and C close behind. I say this because Pool D has perennial powers Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Mexico (a relative newcomer to this status). Pool C has the U.S. and the Dominican Republic.... and Pool A has Cuba and Japan.
This will be the 4th edition of the classic, with the previous editions being in 2006, 2009, and 2013. Japan won the first two, and the Dominican Republic won the last one, with Puerto Rico as runner-up. Puerto Rico is coming off a recent victory in the annual Caribbean Series, so hopes are high for this team.
As in soccer, qualifying rounds are held with many more countries. To answer your question, @Master , it appears Great Britain participated in a qualifying round and was eliminated.
Baseball is not my favorite sport, but I love international competitions (Olympics, World Cup, etc.)....... and this one is fabulous. I had the opportunity to attend a game in person in the 2013 edition, when one of the opening rounds was held in San Juan..... and saw a game between Puerto Rico and Venezuela. In a previous WBC, I had also seen the Netherlands play.
The World Baseball Classic has BEGUN!!
An early surprise is Israel. I was going to write something about how amazing that Israel would have a good baseball team, and then I saw this:
Unlikely squad of American Jews are helping Team Israel crush it in the 2017 World Baseball Classic - ABC News
Oh well... whatever it takes. ;D
So I guess it's USA-2 doing all the damage on behalf of Israel.
Meanwhile, USA-1... the REAL U.S. team... is currently losing 2-0 against Colombia, in what would be a major upset if it finishes that way.
Cuba and Japan have already advanced to the 2nd round. No surprise there.
Coming up..... a battle of titans, Puerto Rico vs. Venezuela.
USA escapes with an extra-inning 3-2 win over Colombia.
PR has an early 2-run lead over Venezuela.
Well, here's the US-Colombia result:
USA avoids upset with walkoff win over Colombia in World Baseball Classic
But never mind that. ;D
Just finished watching Puerto Rico destroy Venezuela via 7th inning knockout, 11-0.
A shocking result, given that Venezuela was favored by many to make it to the championship round.
Feeling pretty good about my team right about now. ;D
Italy hanging tough vs. Venezuela right now, trailing 8-7. Venezuela trying to bounce back from last night's massacre loss vs. Puerto Rico.
Venezuela narrowly escapes with a 1-run victory over Italy. Italy's been a pleasant surprise this WBC.
US now with a 3-0 lead over Dominican Republic.
Well, it's on to the 2nd round in San Diego, CA.
Puerto Rico moved on from its group with a 3-0 record, and Italy and Venezuela are now playing for the 2nd berth out of the group.
Dominican Republic also moved on from its group with a 3-0 record, while the USA also moved on with a 2-1 record.
Japan, Cuba, Israel, and the Netherlands are in the 2nd round also, having advanced out of their respective groups.
Venezuela edges Italy 4-3 to get the final berth in the 2nd round. Tough loss for Italy, who played their hearts out.
Round 2 in San Diego action tomorrow:
Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic
USA vs. Venezuela
If there was ever any doubt as to the region where the best baseball is played, 4 out of the remaining 8 teams come from the Caribbean region
(Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Venezuela).
Wow! Cuba got obliterated in their group and drops out of contention. Surprise there.
Japan and Netherlands move on to the semifinals in Los Angeles, leaving Cuba and Israel behind. Israel was a huge surprise and acquitted themselves quite well.
In the HUGE clash last night, Puerto Rico beat the Dominican Republic ;D 3-1, in an exciting game.
The USA faces Venezuela later on tonight.
The USA comes back from a deficit to beat Venezuela 4-2.
Now it's Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela tomorrow, and Puerto Rico vs. USA on Friday. ;D
F*ck baseball apathy!!!!
I just witnessed one of the more exciting games I've ever seen!!
Puerto Rico held off a tough USA team for a 6-5 victory that came down to the final out. Hollywood don't even make sports movies THAT exciting. Over 30 thousand screaming fans in San Diego, most cheering for the US of course, but a lot cheering for Puerto Rico also. Happy to see fans warming up to the Classic. Unbeaten Puerto Rico wins the group and now moves into the semifinals, with a clash against group runner-up Netherlands, while the USA and the Dominican Republic square off tomorrow for the 2nd spot in the semifinals. The winner gets Japan in the semis. Meanwhile, Venezuela is officially eliminated.
F*ck all the Major League naysayers who think the MLB is too cool or even bigger than the Classic. That's gonna continue changing, and the US will have to field better and better teams. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico once again proves it is a force to be reckoned with in baseball.
USA V Dom Rep tonight.
Japan look strong.
Cuba disgraced Castro.
ESPN is all about the NCAA basketball tournament these days.
Memo to ESPN.
Dear ESPN.......
WHO GIVES A FUCK ABOUT MARCH MADNESS?!?
In yet ANOTHER exciting game, the US beat the Dominican Republic 6-3, gaining a pass to the WBC semifinals in Los Angeles next week, and knocking DR out of contention. DR are the defending champions from 2013 (beat Puerto Rico in the final game), and they must be devastated to be eliminated in the 2nd round. So basically the matchups are:
Monday, March 20th
Netherlands
vs.
Puerto Rico
Tuesday, March 21st
USA
vs.
Japan
Wednesday, March 22nd: Championship Game
I go for Japan
The Netherlands are tough!! Into the 6th inning, and the game with Puerto Rico is tied at 3.
Can't take this excitement night after night. ;D
Going to the bottom of the 9th..... game still tied 3-3.
https://www.choice.com.au/~/media/05...80&w=994&h=559