Home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor had a rough day at the office.  Bucknor saw six calls overturned b...

<p>Home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor had a rough day at the office.</p><p>Bucknor saw six calls overturned by the new ABS challenge system during the Cincinnati Reds' 6-5 win in extras over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday.</p><p>The 63-year-old had back-to-back third strikes reversed by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3362" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3362">Eugenio Suárez</a>'s challenges in the sixth inning.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">C.B. Bucknor tried to ring up Eugenio Suárez on back-to-back pitches. <br><br>Suárez challenged both and won both challenges.<br><br>(H/T: <a href="https://twitter.com/tylermilliken_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tylermilliken_</a>) <a href="https://t.co/erzchAXPw0">pic.twitter.com/erzchAXPw0</a></p>— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/2038021628542832868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Reds went 5-for-5 on challenges in the contest, while the Red Sox were 1-for-3.</p><p>Bucknor also punched out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4232" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4232">Trevor Story</a> on a check-swing call in the eighth without asking for help from the first base ump. Story was livid with the call, and Red Sox manager Alex Cora was eventually ejected after supporting his player.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Home plate umpire CB Bucknor ruled Trevor Story swung here<br><br>🤔🧐 <a href="https://t.co/kMKTsQpWik">pic.twitter.com/kMKTsQpWik</a></p>— NESN (@NESN) <a href="https://twitter.com/NESN/status/2038029499409821875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"He has one job to do: call balls and strikes," Cora said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/NESN/status/2038043555944358030">NESN</a>. "It wasn't his best day. That's what the system does. It's out there. Everybody sees it. He'll be the first one to accept it. I saw him putting his head down after one of the challenges. We're all human."</p><p>Bucknor, who's one of the longest-tenured active umps, has worked in the majors since 1996.</p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 09: Home plate umpire CB Bucknor looks on during the third inning of the game between the San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox at Petco Park on August 09, 2025 in San Diego, California.

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Umpire Bucknor gets 6 calls overturned by ABS in Red Sox-Reds

The Chicago Cubs and second baseman Nico Hoerner agreed to a six-year, $141-million contract exte...

<p>The Chicago Cubs and second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10637" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10637">Nico Hoerner</a> agreed to a six-year, $141-million contract extension, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2037655212022718521?s=20">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.</p><p>The reported deal is the fourth-largest pact for a second baseman in MLB history. Only Robinson Canó, Marcus Semien, and Jose Altuve received more guaranteed money.</p><p>Deferrals will take the current-day value of Hoerner's contract into the mid-$130-million range, according to <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/2037658199617151477?s=20">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hoerner also received a full no-trade clause, reports <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/2037676975675126208?s=20">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The 28-year-old would've been a free agent at the end of the 2026 season.</p><p>Hoerner owns a career .282/.340/.384 slash line with 36 homers, 128 doubles, 278 RBIs, and 131 stolen bases over seven seasons with the Cubs. He's accumulated 17.4 fWAR since 2022.</p><p>The two-time Gold Glover is one of the best defenders in baseball at the keystone position. He finished in the 98th percentile for outs above average in 2025.</p><p>The reported extension comes days after the Cubs <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3506804" href="https://thescore.com/news/3506804">agreed</a> to a six-year, $115-million pact with All-Star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12736">Pete Crow-Armstrong</a>. Chicago also landed third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> in free agency with a five-year, $175-million deal in January.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 9: Nico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates a hit in Game Four of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on October 9, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Report: Cubs, Hoerner agree to 6-year, $141M extension

Pete Crow-Armstrong has secured a historic contract extension.  The Chicago Cubs and the All-Star...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12736">Pete Crow-Armstrong</a> has secured a historic contract extension.</p><p>The Chicago Cubs and the All-Star outfielder agreed to a six-year, $115-million deal that starts in 2027, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2036576104060793279">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.</p><p>The reported pact is the largest extension handed out in Cubs history.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Crow-Armstrong's deal is also the biggest contract in MLB history with no club options for a player with five years of control remaining, according to <a href="https://x.com/Feinsand/status/2036577005815115937?s=20">Mark Feinsand of MLB.com</a>, who adds that performance escalators for 2031 and 2032 could increase the value to $133 million.</p><p>The reported contract buys out four arbitration-eligible seasons and two years of free agency, which allows Crow-Armstrong to potentially hit the open market before his age-31 season.</p><p>The soon-to-be 24-year-old is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign where he hit 31 home runs with 35 stolen bases and 5.4 fWAR in 157 games, earning his first-career All-Star selection and Gold Glove. He also became the first Cubs player to record at least 30 homers, 30 doubles, and 30 steals in a single season.</p><p>Crow-Armstrong was acquired by the Cubs in a 2021 trade with the New York Mets. New York dealt him to Chicago for three-time All-Star infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3569" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3569">Javier Báez</a> and veteran pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5349" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5349">Trevor Williams</a>.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 02: Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after hitting an RBI single in the second against the San Diego Padres in game three of the National League Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field on October 02, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Report: Cubs extend Crow-Armstrong on 6-year, $115M deal

New York Yankees right-hander Luis Gil will begin the 2026 season in Triple-A, the club announced...

<p>New York Yankees right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11752">Luis Gil</a> will begin the 2026 season in Triple-A, the club announced Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/GJoyce9/status/2036498697928974637?s=20">Greg Joyce of the New York Post</a>.</p><p>Gil will continue to stay built up until the Yankees need a fifth starter for their rotation, which could happen April 11 against the Tampa Bay Rays.</p><p>The 27-year-old authored a 4.66 ERA with 1.29 WHIP and 24 strikeouts over 19 1/3 innings during spring training.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gil, the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, owns a career 3.50 ERA with 9.5 K/9 and 4.9 BB/9 across 242 innings (47 starts) since debuting in 2021.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17858" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17858">Cade Winquest</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15421" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15421">Brent Headrick</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13863" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13863">Jake Bird</a> were the final players to make the Yankees' Opening Day roster.</p>

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 26: Luis Gil #81 of the New York Yankees works out before a spring training game against the Atlanta Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 26, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.

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Yankees option former AL ROY Luis Gil

Detroit Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle will start the 2026 season in the majors, the club an...

<p>Detroit Tigers top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18596" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18596">Kevin McGonigle</a> will start the 2026 season in the majors, the club announced Tuesday. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">it's time <a href="https://t.co/jKVM1nnlJ3">pic.twitter.com/jKVM1nnlJ3</a></p>— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/tigers/status/2036478689127313537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>McGonigle is set to make his MLB debut Thursday against the San Diego Padres on Opening Day.</p><p>The 21-year-old infielder is considered MLB's second-best prospect, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects">MLB Pipeline</a>. He will reach the majors without playing in Triple-A.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>McGonigle went deep twice with a team-high 11 walks and an .888 OPS over 20 games during spring training. He also hit 19 homers with 80 RBIs and a .991 OPS in 88 contests between three minor-league levels in 2025.</p><p>The Tigers selected McGonigle with the 37th overall pick in the 2023 draft.</p>

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 23: Kevin McGonigle #85 of the Detroit Tigers warms up before a spring training game /aco at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 23, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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McGonigle, MLB's No. 2 prospect, makes Tigers' Opening Day roster

JJ Wetherholt has made the St. Louis Cardinals.  The Cardinals' top prospect earned a roster spot...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18806" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18806">JJ Wetherholt</a> has made the St. Louis Cardinals.</p><p>The Cardinals' top prospect earned a roster spot for their Opening Day game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, the team announced Monday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="qme" dir="ltr">👀 <a href="https://t.co/FnXbKl1lJm">pic.twitter.com/FnXbKl1lJm</a></p>— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/2036179257123119350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Wetherholt is expected to begin the season as the team's starting second baseman. The 23-year-old is the No. 5-ranked prospect in baseball, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects">MLB Pipeline</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Wetherholt hit two homers with seven RBIs and a .780 OPS across 15 games during spring training. He went deep 17 times with 59 RBIs, 23 stolen bases, and a .931 OPS over 109 contests between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025.</p><p>St. Louis selected the infielder with the seventh pick in the 2024 draft.</p>

JUPITER, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: JJ Wetherholt #77 of the St. Louis Cardinals at bat during a spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Roger Dean Stadium on March 09, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida.

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Cardinals top prospect Wetherholt earns Opening Day spot

New York Mets prospect Carson Benge will be the club's starting right fielder to begin the 2026 s...

<p>New York Mets prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19109">Carson Benge</a> will be the club's starting right fielder to begin the 2026 season, the team announced Monday.</p><p>Benge is set to make his MLB debut Thursday versus the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day.</p><p>The 23-year-old is the No. 2-ranked prospect in the Mets' minor-league system and No. 16 overall in baseball, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects">MLB Pipeline</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Benge went 15-for-41 with five RBIs and an .874 OPS over 14 games during spring training to earn the job. He also went deep 15 times with 73 RBIs, 22 stolen bases, and an .857 OPS across 116 contests between three minor-league levels in 2025.</p><p>The Mets selected Benge 19th overall in the 2024 draft.</p>

JUPITER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Carson Benge #93 of the New York Mets celebrates after scoring against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning of a spring training gameat Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida.

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Mets top outfield prospect Benge makes Opening Day roster

New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette is confident he can become one of the majors' premier pla...

<p>New York Mets third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> is confident he can become one of the majors' premier players.</p><p>"I am capable of being - I don't think you can say 'the best player in the game' because that is subjective - but I can be one of the best players in the game," Bichette said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7133185/2026/03/20/bo-bichette-mets-top-players/">Will Sammon of The Athletic</a>. "I think I am already. But I think I can be seen as that more often."</p><p>Bichette, who joined the Mets on a three-year, $126-million contract in January, has authored a 17.7 fWAR since 2021, which ranks 37th among all position players during that span.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old's resume already includes leading the AL in hits twice, two All-Star Game nods, and a World Series appearance. Bichette, who spent the first seven years of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, believes he can take his game to a new level in Queens.</p><p>"My whole life, I always dreamed of playing on the biggest stages," Bichette said. "I don't necessarily think I thought it would be New York as a child. I thought of it as the World Series and things like that. </p><p>"But when you get in the big leagues and see the level, the standard that the city holds both teams to, it's exciting for me. I hold myself to the same standards. Those attitudes line up."</p><p>Bichette can opt out of his contract to test free agency again following the 2026 season.</p>

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the New York Mets at Clover Park on Saturday, February 21, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

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Bichette: 'I can be one of the best players' in MLB

The Washington Nationals demoted outfielder Dylan Crews to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.  Crews w...

<p>The Washington Nationals demoted outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17319" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17319">Dylan Crews</a> to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.</p><p>Crews was projected to be on the Opening Day roster before having a poor spring in which he went 3-for-29 with zero homers and 11 strikeouts across 12 games.</p><p>Crews, whom Washington selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft behind LSU teammate Paul Skenes, was the team's top prospect in 2024 and 2025.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 24-year-old has gone deep 13 times with 35 RBIs, 29 stolen bases, and a .634 OPS in 116 games with the Nationals since debuting in 2024. He's dealt with multiple injuries as well.</p><p>Washington also optioned right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12403" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12403">Jackson Rutledge</a>, who was ranked as high as No. 11 among the club's prospects in 2023. </p>

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 07: Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews (3) runs to third base during a MLB spring training game against the New York Yankees at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 7, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

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Nationals option former top prospect Crews after poor spring

The 2026 World Baseball Classic reminded fans why it's such an incredible sporting event. Here ar...

<p><em>The 2026 World Baseball Classic reminded fans why it's such an incredible sporting event. Here are the 10 best moments from the tournament.</em></p><h3>10. Satoria gets standing ovation from Tokyo Dome 👏</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Moments like this will last a lifetime ❤️<br><br>Team Japan and the Tokyo Dome crowd give a standing ovation to Ondrej Satoria for an inspiring career! 👏 <a href="https://t.co/R91sd7238X">pic.twitter.com/R91sd7238X</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2031353084224458848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ondrej Satoria is one of the better feel-good stories in WBC history. The fans at the Tokyo Dome let the Czech pitcher know how much they respected him with a standing ovation after he pitched 4 2/3 shutout innings against Japan in the final WBC outing of his career. Satoria, an electrical engineer by day, famously struck out Shohei Ohtani during the 2023 event.</p><h3>9. Pasquantino, Italians save USA from elimination 🤝</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vinnie Pasquantino: "You're welcome, USA" <a href="https://t.co/3UoQVGuITc">pic.twitter.com/3UoQVGuITc</a></p>— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/2031920284727464293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Vinnie Pasquantino had a little fun during a postgame interview after his Italian squad beat Mexico and saved the United States from an embarrassing WBC elimination. Italy's surprising victory over the U.S. the previous night meant that a Mexican win would have ended the baseball powerhouse's tournament in pool play.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>8. Brother of Aussie pitcher cries tears of joy ❤️</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Connor MacDonald's brother is so proud after he threw three scoreless innings against Japan 🥹 <a href="https://t.co/ChflsY6J54">pic.twitter.com/ChflsY6J54</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2030599977106624948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You probably saw the emotion from Callum MacDonald, the brother of Australian SP Connor MacDonald. Macdonald threw three scoreless tonight vs Japan. I asked him about this moment and you can see how much this means to his family and Australia. <a href="https://t.co/YaCut500ND">pic.twitter.com/YaCut500ND</a></p>— Dani Wexelman (@DaniWex) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaniWex/status/2030610686221680740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Cameras captured Australian pitcher Connor MacDonald's brother having an emotional moment after his sibling allowed a single hit over three innings against powerhouse Japan. MacDonald's brother, Callum, described Connor's success as "far better than any success I can feel in my lifetime."</p><h3>7. Venezuela's Abreu sends bat into orbit after go-ahead HR vs. Japan 😤</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr">WILYER ABREU ⚡️⚡️⚡️ <a href="https://t.co/9RCLCjbnXe">pic.twitter.com/9RCLCjbnXe</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2033019156040421845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Wilyer Abreu has a knack for the big moment, and he's apparently quite good at bat flips, too. The Venezuelan outfielder emphatically launched his bat into the air following a go-ahead three-run homer against Japan in the quarterfinals. The crowd at loanDepot Park loved it, and the homer stood as the game-winning hit.</p><h3>6. Tatis pumps up Dominicans with electric HR ⚡️</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FERNANDO TATIS JR. THREE-RUN HOMER!!! <a href="https://t.co/6exLuQpTbk">pic.twitter.com/6exLuQpTbk</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2031903017323385134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Fernando Tatis Jr. is one of baseball's most electric players, and his talents were on full display during the Dominican Republic's pool-play win over eventual WBC champion Venezuela. El Nino clobbered a 1-1 offering from Antonio Senzatela into the left-field stands and punctuated the blast with an incredible bat flip and celebration.</p><h3>5. Albies denies Nicaragua of 1st-ever WBC win 🙅</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">OZZIE ALBIES!<br><br>A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC</a> WALK-OFF HOMER FOR TEAM NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱 <a href="https://t.co/T2HRyL233M">pic.twitter.com/T2HRyL233M</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2030371756872015961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ozzie Albies connected for the first of two dramatic walk-off homers during tournament play March 7. The Netherlands was down to its final out and stole the victory, preventing Nicaragua from winning the first WBC game in the country's history.</p><h3>4. Hernaiz becomes Puerto Rican hero 🦸</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT'S GONE!<br>PUERTO RICO WINS!<br>DARELL HERNAIZ, WALK-OFF HOME RUN! <a href="https://t.co/L2kIDmzi5N">pic.twitter.com/L2kIDmzi5N</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2030479039882789058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Darell Hernaiz instantly became a Puerto Rican legend when he ripped a walk-off homer against Panama, sending Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan into a frenzy. Although Puerto Rico's run in the tournament ended in the quarterfinals, this moment will live on in the country's baseball lore.</p><h3>3. Ohtani electrifies Japan with slam 🇯🇵</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="et" dir="ltr">SHOHEI OHTANI GRAND SLAM! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC</a> <a href="https://t.co/z0BXjlYInF">pic.twitter.com/z0BXjlYInF</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2029867872978104541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Shohei Ohtani always delivers. The four-time MVP hit a grand slam versus Chinese Taipei in pool play that made the Tokyo Dome erupt. The 31-year-old once again showed why he's the biggest baseball star in the world.</p><h3>2. Brazilian teenager handles Judge 🤯</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Expect everything.<br><br>17-year-old high school senior Joseph Contreras gets Aaron Judge to hit into a bases-loaded double play to end the ending 😮 <a href="https://t.co/R0qH0kODQr">pic.twitter.com/R0qH0kODQr</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2030098576894779454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>What were you doing when you were 17? Surely, the answer isn't getting the most feared slugger on the planet to ground into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded. But that's exactly what Joseph Contreras, son of former MLB pitcher Jose Contreras, did in his first WBC.</p><h3>1. Venezuela wins 1st-ever WBC title 🏆</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr">TEAM VENEZUELA 🇻🇪<br>CHAMPS 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC</a> <a href="https://t.co/1hDTJWcI5V">pic.twitter.com/1hDTJWcI5V</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2034101615397937441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Daniel Palencia struck out Roman Anthony to secure Venezuela's first major international baseball tournament victory since claiming gold at the 1959 Pan-Am Games. The Venezuelans fought back to win the game thanks to Eugenio Suárez's go-ahead RBI double in the ninth inning after Bryce Harper tied the contest with a homer in the eighth.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 17: Daniel Palencia #29 of Team Venezuela celebrates after the final out of the 3-2 victory was recorded against Team United States at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Best WBC moments: Walk-off homers, bat flips, tears, celebrations 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is still perplexed by the way the Dominican Republic was eliminated from th...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr. </a>is still perplexed by the way the Dominican Republic was eliminated from the World Baseball Classic after a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3501173" href="https://thescore.com/news/3501173">controversial strike call</a> ended Sunday's semifinal versus the United States.</p><p>The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman believes the WBC should've used the ABS system that MLB is implementing for the 2026 season. The tournament didn't employ the technology because some of the international host ballparks lacked the proper camera and radar setups.</p><p>"It's baseball. I'll say this - if we're going to use (ABS) this year in the regular season, why wouldn't we use it at the WBC?" Guerrero said Wednesday after returning to Blue Jays spring camp, according to <a href="https://x.com/ArdenZwelling/status/2034258293539979279?s=20">Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet</a>. "Everybody knew. (The umpire) thought it was a strike, he's human. But everybody that saw it knew what really happened."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Team USA advanced to the final after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/16437" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/16437">Mason Miller</a> struck out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12530" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12530">Geraldo Perdomo</a> on a full-count pitch that wasn't close to the zone. The Dominicans had the tying run on third base, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8286" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8286">Fernando Tatis Jr.</a> would've come up to bat with the winning run on first base if the pitch was correctly called a ball.</p><p>Guerrero went 8-for-18 with two homers and eight RBIs in the tournament following a historic postseason run that helped the Blue Jays reach the 2025 World Series.</p><p>The 27-year-old star acknowledged his strong WBC performance could be an indicator of what's to come this season.</p><p>"In a way, yes," Guerrero said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/news/vladimir-guerrero-jr-returns-to-blue-jays-after-world-baseball-classic">Keegan Matheson of MLB.com</a>. "In a way, it's so-so because you still have spring training and you still have to get better at a few things for the season. Playing in a short tournament like the WBC, you don't have the chance to work on some things. </p><p>"When you're playing for your country, there's no time to get better, you just have to get out there and compete. But yes, I think it will help me a little bit."</p><p>Venezuela <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3502322" href="https://thescore.com/news/3502322">won</a> its first-ever WBC title in Tuesday's final.</p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 15: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Dominican Republic looks on during the 2026 World Baseball Classic WBC game presented by Capital One between Team USA and Team Dominican Republic at loanDepot park on Sunday, March 15, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Vladdy questions why WBC didn't use ABS

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will miss one-to-two weeks with right knee inflammati...

<p>Minnesota Timberwolves star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> will miss one-to-two weeks with right knee inflammation before being re-evaluated, the club announced Tuesday.</p><p>Edwards is averaging a career-high 29.5 points as well as 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 58 games this season.</p><p>The 24-year-old had already been ruled out of Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns before imaging revealed the inflammation.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Timberwolves (41-27) sit sixth in the Western Conference, two games up on the Suns for the play-in tournament cutoff.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 3: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 3, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Ant out with knee inflammation, will be re-evaluated in 1-2 weeks

Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong informed Hockey Canada that he's stepping down from hi...

<p>Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong informed Hockey Canada that he's stepping down from his role.</p><p>"It's time for a change,” Armstrong told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7123657/2026/03/17/doug-armstrong-canada-olympics-blues/?source=emp_shared_article">Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic</a> on Monday. "I've enjoyed every aspect of it. Obviously, you wish you could go out on top. But it would be selfish to want to do it again. It's such a great experience, and I think more people should enjoy it."</p><p>Armstrong had held the GM position since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The executive led Canada to a win at that tournament as well as an IIHF World Championship gold medal in 2023 and a 4 Nations Face-Off title in 2025. He also won two Olympic gold medals (2010, 2014) as a member of Steve Yzerman's staff. He was announced as Olympic GM in 2022 if NHL players had competed.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His tenure as GM ended with an Olympic silver medal in Milan Cortina<em>. </em>Armstrong said he'd planned to step down regardless of the result.</p><p>"Team Canada didn't leave much on the table in that game," Armstrong said when asked about the overtime loss to Team USA in February. "We played as good of a game as we probably could. I think the expected goals were five-and-a-half to one-and-a-half. I mean, some nights the hockey gods have a different desire for the outcome."</p><p>Armstrong, 61, is also leaving his position as general manager of the St. Louis Blues on July 1. He sits ninth all time among NHL GMs with 882 wins and has posted a .609 winning percentage. Armstrong won the Stanley Cup in 2019 with the Blues and had previously won a championship as an assistant GM with the Dallas Stars in 1999. Alex Steen will take over as Blues GM while Armstrong transitions to a role as president of hockey operations.</p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 29: General manager Doug Armstrong of the St. Louis Blues talks on his phone during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Rounds 2-7 at Bridgestone Arena on June 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Armstrong steps down as Team Canada GM: 'Time for a change'

The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to ease two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani into his role as a starting ...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to ease two-way superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> into his role as a starting pitcher.</p><p>Manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Ohtani's expected to pitch at least three-to-four innings per start to open the new campaign, according to <a href="https://x.com/FabianArdaya/status/2033597917857255477?s=20">Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The four-time MVP made his 2025 pitching debut in mid-June after undergoing his second elbow surgery in September 2023.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ohtani posted a 2.87 ERA with 1.90 FIP and 62 strikeouts across 47 innings (14 starts) during a slow build-up in the regular season. The 31-year-old logged another 20 1/3 innings with a 4.43 ERA and 28 strikeouts en route to helping Los Angeles win a second straight World Series.</p><p>Roberts also announced Monday that World Series MVP <a href="https://x.com/FabianArdaya/status/2033594271018979385?s=20">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> will toe the rubber on Opening Day for a second straight year.</p><p>The Dodgers start the season at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26.</p>

TORONTO, ONTARIO - NOVEMBER 01: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning in game seven of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on November 01, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

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Roberts: Ohtani will pitch at least 3-4 innings per start to begin season

Juan Soto believes the Dominican Republic was the top team in the World Baseball Classic before b...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> believes the Dominican Republic was the top team in the World Baseball Classic before being eliminated Sunday.</p><p>"We showed the world who's the best team in baseball," Soto told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48220531/dominican-republic-frustrated-game-ending-blown-ball-strike-call-semifinal-loss-team-usa-world-baseball-classic">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a> following a gutting 2-1 loss to the United States in the tournament's semifinal in Miami. "That's all I got to say."</p><p>The game ended on a blown call by home plate umpire Cory Blaser. U.S. closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16437" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16437">Mason Miller</a> got the final out in the ninth inning thanks to a called third strike on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/12530" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/12530">Geraldo Perdomo</a> with a full count and the tying run on third base. The pitch was below the zone. If it had been called as a ball, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8286" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8286">Fernando Tatis Jr.</a> would have come up to bat with the winning run on first base.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WOW.<br><br>Miller gets the call and USA is going to the Final!! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/98RfvXKzHb">pic.twitter.com/98RfvXKzHb</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2033379110144368774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I knew 100% it was a ball," Perdomo said postgame. "I knew it."</p><p>Soto also struck out looking on a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12582" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12582">Garrett Whitlock</a> slider in the eighth that appeared to be below the zone.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Called Strike 3 on Soto (8th inning) and Perdomo (9th) in a 1-run semifinal game <a href="https://t.co/yDtZKxq6js">pic.twitter.com/yDtZKxq6js</a></p>— Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brandon_N_Wile/status/2033380224138711494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The ABS system isn't being used in the WBC despite arriving in MLB for the 2026 season.</p><p>"It's part of the game," Dominican Republic general manager Nelson Cruz said. "You lost by inches. We'll have ABS in a few years, so hopefully next time we can challenge plays like that.</p><p>"This event is really good for baseball. You have regular fans that love the game - and you have people who don't pay attention and you're attracting them."</p><p>Meanwhile, Dominican manager and future MLB Hall of Famer Albert Pujols didn't want the call to overshadow a great contest between baseball powerhouses.</p><p>"I am not going to focus on that last pitch," Pujols said, according to <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=216617">ASAP Sports</a>. "It was a huge game between two huge teams, and I'm super proud for the guys that represented us in this Classic."</p><p>The Dominicans outscored their opponents 52-12 in the tournament despite failing to make the WBC final. The Americans will take on the winner of Monday's Venezuela-Italy showdown.</p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 15: Juan Soto #22 of Team Dominican Republic looks on during the 2026 World Baseball Classic WBC game presented by Capital One between Team USA and Team Dominican Republic at loanDepot park on Sunday, March 15, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Soto: Dominicans are 'best team' in world despite WBC loss to USA

The World Baseball Classic will have a new champion in 2026.  Venezuela eliminated Japan with an ...

<p>The World Baseball Classic will have a new champion in 2026.</p><p>Venezuela eliminated Japan with an 8-5 win Saturday in the quarterfinals in Miami to set up a semifinal showdown with Italy on Monday. The winner of that game will face the victor of Sunday's star-studded contest between the United States and Dominican Republic. The tournament final is Tuesday (8 p.m. ET).</p><p>Reigning WBC MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> popped out to shortstop to end the game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DOWN GO THE CHAMPS!<br><br>Ohtani flies out to end the game and Venezuela is on to the WBC Semifinals! 🇻🇪 <a href="https://t.co/rzS1rwoq0o">pic.twitter.com/rzS1rwoq0o</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2033035143536054631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13925" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13925">Wilyer Abreu</a> drove in the eventual winning run with his go-ahead, three-run homer in the sixth inning.</p><p>"That's really difficult what crosses my mind. Many things cross my mind. It's so fast. It's a great feeling, something that I wouldn't imagine and very difficult to describe," Abreu said of his home run. "It's a unique moment and one of the best moments that I have had in my career."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WILYER ABREU<br>THREE-RUN HOME RUN<br>TEAM VENEZUELA TAKES THE LEAD 🇻🇪 <a href="https://t.co/9ovv3fluF6">pic.twitter.com/9ovv3fluF6</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2033018537975886328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8292" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8292">Ronald Acuña Jr.</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13651" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13651">Maikel Garcia</a> also went deep in the victory. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13990" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13990">Enmanuel De Jesus</a> picked up the win in relief. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9813" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9813">Ranger Suarez</a> surrendered five earned runs on three hits with three walks and four strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings in his start.</p><p>Venezuela also qualified for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles with the win.</p><p>"I believe that this means a lot to us Venezuelans for the country," Abreu said. "Venezuela has participated in the Olympics in other categories and other sports, but we are trying to write our own history."</p><p>Meanwhile, Japan hadn't lost a WBC game since the 2017 semifinals. Ohtani and Shota Morishita, who replaced the injured <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13692" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13692">Seiya Suzuki</a>, hit home runs in the defeat. Reliever Hiromi Itoh was tagged with the loss after giving up the Abreu homer. World Series MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> allowed two earned runs on four hits with one walk and five strikeouts across four innings.</p><p>"I think many countries are getting better," Japanese manager Hirokazu Ibata said postgame. "So I know we lost this time, but Team Japan - I would hope Japan would get better next time. I will hope Team Japan will win next time."</p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 14: Wilyer Abreu #16 of Team Venezuela celebrates while rounding the bases after hitting a three-run home run to retake the lead in the sixth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals game presented by Capital One between Team Venezuela and Team Japan at loanDepot park on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Venezuela knocks out reigning WBC champion Japan

Team USA knocked Canada out of the World Baseball Classic with a 5-3 win in Friday's quarterfinal...

<p>Team USA knocked Canada out of the World Baseball Classic with a 5-3 win in Friday's quarterfinal in Houston to set up a heavyweight semifinal matchup with the Dominican Republic. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10606" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10606">Logan Webb</a> threw 4 2/3 shutout innings, and star closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16437" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16437">Mason Miller</a> struck out the side in the ninth inning to end the game for the heavily-favored Americans.</p><p>"What a great game," USA manager Mark DeRosa said. "Canada played hard. Great game all around."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BALLGAME!<br><br>Mason Miller strikes out the side to get the save and <a href="https://twitter.com/USABaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USABaseball</a> is on to the semifinal! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/7nW7Hjxf2f">pic.twitter.com/7nW7Hjxf2f</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2032654272849129742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Canadians had a chance to tie the contest in the seventh but couldn't capitalize with a runner on second and third with nobody out. Reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9025" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9025">David Bednar</a> retired the next three hitters, including slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13752">Owen Caissie</a> to end the frame as the American fans chanted "U-S-A, U-S-A."</p><p>"You know, you have to come up with some big hits," Canada manager Ernie Whitt said. "And when the opportunity presents itself, you have to execute on it. Sometimes you have to give credit to the pitcher."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BOOM!<br><br>Bednar gets the strikeout to get out of the jam! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/nhAXI6pSd1">pic.twitter.com/nhAXI6pSd1</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2032646072405995978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Webb picked up the win, allowing four hits with one walk and five strikeouts while pitching into the fifth inning without surrendering a run.</p><p>Canada got a two-run homer from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12315" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12315">Bo Naylor</a> in the defeat. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8133" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8133">Michael Soroka</a> took the loss after giving up three runs (two earned) on four hits with two walks and one strikeout across 2 2/3 innings.</p><p>"I thought he was fine," Whitt said of Soroka. "I thought he threw the ball well. We were on a 60-pitch limit with him. He gave us three solid innings." </p><p>The U.S. will now face the Dominican Republic in Sunday's star-studded semifinal (8 p.m. ET) in Miami.</p><p>The Americans will start reigning NL Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a>, while the Dominican Republic is countering with former All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4775" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4775">Luis Severino</a>.</p><p>"I like any game that Paul Skenes pitches," U.S. captain Aaron Judge said. "It's just incredible stuff. Watching him work on his craft the past couple weeks has been incredible. Seeing him in that game against Mexico, where it's an electric environment, he just toed the slab and went out and took care of business. It was really impressive.</p><p>"Looking forward to seeing him get out there and do his thing. And then we hand it over to the bullpen of ours, it's going to be a tough fight."</p><p>The Dominicans <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3499436" href="https://thescore.com/news/3499436">rolled past</a> Korea 10-0 in Friday's first elimination game. The Latin American powerhouse is a perfect 5-0 in the tournament, outscoring their opponents 51-10.</p><p>"I expect it to be like one of the best games of all time," DeRosa said.</p>

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 13: Mason Miller #19 of Team USA celebrates after the 2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals game presented by Capital One between Team USA and Team Canada at Daikin Park on Friday, March 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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USA eliminates Canada to set up WBC semifinal vs. Dominicans

Julio Rodríguez has a World Baseball Classic title as the top of his wish list.  The Seattle Mari...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/12373" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/12373">Julio Rodríguez</a> has a World Baseball Classic title as the top of his wish list.</p><p>The Seattle Mariners outfielder and Dominican star revealed Thursday that he'd rather win the international tournament than MLB's biggest prize.</p><p>"I love the Mariners. They know I give my best for them every single time I step on the field, but winning the World Baseball Classic would be top of the list," Rodríguez said when asked if he could pick between securing a WBC championship or a World Series, according to <a href="https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/2032251544184479829?s=20">Foul Territory</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This is for my country. This is for my town. This is for my people, my neighborhood. ... Winning the World Baseball Classic would be No. 1."</p><p>The Dominican Republic went 4-0 in pool play before beating Korea on Friday in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals.</p><p>The Dominicans have won the event only once (2013) since its inception in 2006.</p><p>Rodríguez's Mariners came within one win of their first appearance in the Fall Classic in franchise history, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the 2025 ALCS.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Fernando Tatis Jr. of the Dominican Republic celebrates with teammates Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27Geraldo Perdomo #2, Manny MacHado #3 , and Julio Rodríguez #44 after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against Venezuela at loanDepot park on March 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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<p>The Dominican Republic blasted four homers in a 7-5 win over rival Venezuela on Wednesday in Miami to win Pool D at the World Baseball Classic.</p><p>Reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15703" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15703">Elvis Alvarado</a> got <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2082" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2082">Salvador Perez</a> to ground into a game-ending double play in the ninth inning with the potential tying run on first base.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">There it is!<br><br>Venezuela gets a couple in the 9th, but the Dominican Republic holds on to secure the W! 🇩🇴 <a href="https://t.co/qXMyWZZcgk">pic.twitter.com/qXMyWZZcgk</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2031931589618516468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3555" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3555">Ketel Marte,</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8286" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8286">Fernando Tatis Jr.</a> went deep to help the Dominicans set a quarterfinals date with Korea on Friday. Left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/11757" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/11757">Cristopher Sánchez</a> will start that game for the Dominican. Meanwhile, Venezuela will take on defending champion Japan on Saturday, with a berth in the semifinals on the line.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tatis' epic three-run homer in the fourth ended up being the difference in the highly anticipated contest.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FERNANDO TATIS JR. THREE-RUN HOMER!!! <a href="https://t.co/6exLuQpTbk">pic.twitter.com/6exLuQpTbk</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2031903017323385134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13651" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13651">Maikel Garcia</a> went 4-for-4 with two runs and an RBI in a losing effort.</p><p>Venezuela will start left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/9813" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/9813">Ranger Suarez</a>, while the high-powered Japanese squad is countering with World Series MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a>.</p><p>The USA faces Canada on Friday, and Italy will battle Puerto Rico on Saturday in the other elimination games.</p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 11: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of Team Dominican Republic celebrates with teammates at home plate after hitting a three-run home run in the fourth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool D game presented by Capital One between Team Dominican Republic and Team Venezuela at loanDepot park on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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