World Baseball Classic, Italy and Japan
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Keep up with the World Baseball Classic schedule on March 14, including game times, TV channels and live updates.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic continues Saturday with two quarterfinal showdowns. Italy opened with an 8-6 win over Puerto Rico in Houston. In the late game, Venezuela faces Japan in Miami.
With Clayton Kershaw being removed from Team USA's roster, the Blue Jays reliever has joined America's pitching staff. In the 2025 postseason, Hoffman, a 2024 All-Star, recorded a 1.46 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 18 strikeouts across 12.1 innings pitched for Toronto. Team USA will play the Dominican Republic in the semifinal round on Mar. 15.
The 2026 WBC's knockout stage begins with high-stakes quarterfinal matchups on Friday.
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Italy holds off Puerto Rico in World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game: Live updates and reaction
Italy jumped out to a big lead and stopped a late Puerto Rico comeback for an 8-3 win to reach the WBC semifinals
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World Baseball Classic 2026 Semifinals Bracket Qualified Teams, Schedule After Quarterfinals Results
Italy and Venezuela advanced to the 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinals on Saturday. The Italians benefited from a pair of four-run rallies to book a spot in the final four via a victory over Puerto Rico. Venezuela took down Japan behind an incredible comeback that was supercharged by Wilyer Abreu's three-run home run.
SportsLine expert Angelo "Amags" Magliocca analyzes Saturday's Puerto Rico vs. Italy quarterfinal at the World Baseball Classic and offers his best bets
There are only eight teams left standing in the World Baseball Classic, leaving just seven more to get the axe before a champion is crowned.