Team USA defeated Canada 5-3 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, securing a spot in the semifinals against the Dominican Republic. The United States took an early lead with a strong start from pitcher Logan Webb and consistent hitting throughout the game, according to reports.
USA jumped out to a 5-0 advantage by the sixth inning, with RBIs from Kyle Schwarber, Alex Bregman, Brice Turang and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Canada responded in the bottom of the sixth, scoring twice on an RBI single by Tyler Black and a two-run homer by Bo Naylor.
Canada threatened to tie the game in the seventh with two runners on and no outs, but failed to score after a popout and two strikeouts. Mason Miller closed out the game for the U.S. in the ninth inning, sealing the win.
Canada will face disappointment after its second straight loss to the U.S. in a major international tournament amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the nations. U.S. manager Mark DeRosa revealed that hockey star Jack Hughes, who scored the winning goal for Team USA at the Olympics, reached out to the baseball team before the game. DeRosa said Hughes sent a motivational message and mentioned plans for hockey jerseys to be worn during batting practice or in the clubhouse.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
