Team USA has defeated Canada 5-3 in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, continuing a streak of American victories over their northern neighbor on the world stage. The win follows previous Olympic hockey gold medal successes against Canada.
Led by a strong pitching performance from Logan Webb and timely hitting, the U.S. built a 5-0 lead. Canada attempted a comeback in the sixth inning with a Tyler Black RBI single and a Bo Naylor two-run homer, but failed to capitalize on a bases-loaded opportunity in the seventh.
Reliever Mason Miller closed out the game for the Americans. Team USA now advances to the semifinals to face the Dominican Republic.
Manager Mark DeRosa revealed that hockey star Jack Hughes sent a motivational message to the team prior to the game. Hughes previously scored the winning goal in the Olympic gold medal game against Canada.
DeRosa noted that hockey jerseys were expected to be sent to the team for pre-game wear.