The tension inside Daikin Park grew as the innings passed Friday night.
In the end, Team USA held off Canada for a 5-3 victory to reach the World Baseball Classic semifinals.
For several innings, the Americans appeared firmly in control. Their pitching limited Canada early while the offense built a steady lead.
But the game tightened late, forcing the U.S. bullpen to step in and protect the advantage.
The win sends Team USA to Miami, where they will face the Dominican Republic on March 15.
The Dominican squad advanced earlier Friday with a 10-0 run-rule win over Korea.
Early offense and steady pitching
The United States created pressure from the start. Bobby Witt Jr. walked to open the game and later scored after a defensive mix-up by Canada on a ground ball from Kyle Schwarber.
The lead grew in the third inning when Alex Bregman drove in a run with a single. A throwing error by Canadian third baseman Abraham Toro allowed the play to extend and pushed the score to 3-0.
On the mound, Logan Webb delivered the stability the U.S. needed. The San Francisco Giants ace pitched 4 scoreless innings with five strikeouts, continuing the strong form that has made him one of MLB’s most reliable starters.
By the sixth inning, the United States had stretched its lead to 5-0 thanks to RBI singles from Brice Turang and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Canada rallies but USA closes it out
Canada finally broke through in the sixth inning when Tyler Black hit an RBI single. Moments later, Bo Naylor energized the Canadian dugout with a two-run home run that cut the deficit to 5-3.
The game reached its most intense moment in the seventh inning. With runners in scoring position, David Bednar entered from the bullpen.
The Pittsburgh Pirates closer retired three straight hitters and ended the threat by striking out Owen Caissie.
The win improved Team USA’s all-time World Baseball Classic record against Canada to 5-1.
Semifinal challenge ahead
Attention now turns to the next stage of the tournament.
Team USA will meet the Dominican Republic in Miami in one of the most anticipated games of the World Baseball Classic. The winner will move within one victory of the championship.
Game statistics and historical records were verified using official World Baseball Classic reports and Major League Baseball statistical databases.
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