World Baseball Classic 2017

[vidgil]

Japan as well has produced great players.

[TitoFan]

In that sense I stand corrected, bro. I meant to say that's where a lot of the great talent comes from. But you're absolutely right. Fenway... Wrigley... the old Yankee Stadium. Those are the meccas.

But as far as talent goes the islands have produced some amazing players. Japan as well has produced great players.

Absolutely. Their success in events like the WBC, and the Little League World Series is well known. They're very disciplined... so a lot comes from their cultural practices. Just remembered that old baseball movie (Mr. Baseball) with Tom Selleck.

[TitoFan]

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.

So I guess it's USA-2 doing all the damage on behalf of Israel.

[TitoFan]

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.

[TitoFan]

Cuba and Japan have already advanced to the 2nd round. No surprise there.
Coming up..... a battle of titans, Puerto Rico vs. Venezuela.

[TitoFan]

USA escapes with an extra-inning 3-2 win over Colombia.
PR has an early 2-run lead over Venezuela.

[TitoFan]

Well, here's the US-Colombia result:

USA avoids upset with walkoff win over Colombia in World Baseball Classic


But never mind that.


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.

[TitoFan]

Italy hanging tough vs. Venezuela right now, trailing 8-7. Venezuela trying to bounce back from last night's massacre loss vs. Puerto Rico.

[TitoFan]

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.

[TitoFan]

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.

[TitoFan]

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).

[TitoFan]

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 3-1, in an exciting game.

The USA faces Venezuela later on tonight.

[TitoFan]

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.

[TitoFan]

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.

[Master]

USA V Dom Rep tonight.

Japan look strong.

Cuba disgraced Castro.