HOUSTON, TEXAS – Team USA advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Friday, defeating Canada 5-3 in a tightly contested quarterfinal matchup at Daikin Park. A dominant pitching performance from San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb and timely hitting propelled the Americans to victory, setting up a clash with the red-hot Dominican Republic in Miami on Sunday night. This win continues Team USA’s strong showing in the tournament, demonstrating their potential to contend for the championship.
Webb delivered a stellar outing, continuing his impressive form in the World Baseball Classic. He pitched 4 ⅔ scoreless innings, striking out five batters and allowing just four hits. His overall performance in the tournament has been remarkable, allowing only one run over 8 ⅔ innings with 11 strikeouts and one walk. The victory showcased the strength of the American pitching staff and their ability to perform under pressure.
Early Offense Sets the Tone
Team USA jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning. Bobby Witt Jr. Led off with a walk, followed by a double from Aaron Judge, putting runners on second and third. Kyle Schwarber then grounded out, scoring Witt Jr. And giving the Americans a 1-0 advantage. The offense continued to build momentum in the third inning, capitalizing on a leadoff single by Pete Crow-Armstrong and a walk by Aaron Judge. Alex Bregman then drove in two runs with a ground ball, extending the lead to 3-0.
PCA keeps things going to make it five runs for the U.S. 🇺🇸 https://twitter.com/USABaseball/status/1768618888888888888
Webb Dominates, Bullpen Holds On
Webb continued to stifle the Canadian offense through five innings, striking out five and inducing weak contact. Manager Mark DeRosa made the move to the bullpen with two outs in the fifth, bringing in Brad Keller to finish the inning. Webb’s performance tied Roger Clemens for the most strikeouts in a single World Baseball Classic for a U.S. Pitcher, with ten strikeouts total throughout the tournament, according to Bay Area News Group.
Canada Fights Back, Bednar Closes It Out
Canada mounted a comeback attempt in the bottom of the sixth, scoring three runs to cut the American lead to 5-3. Tyler Black singled to score Owen Caissie, and a two-run home run by Bo Naylor brought the Canadians within striking distance. However, Team USA reliever David Bednar shut down the Canadian offense in the seventh inning, escaping a bases-loaded jam with two outs by striking out both Josh Naylor and Tyler O’Neill, and ultimately Owen Caissie.
BEDNAR ESCAPES 👊 https://twitter.com/USABaseball/status/1768620888888888888
Miller Seals the Victory
In the ninth inning, Mason Miller entered to close out the game for Team USA. He struck out the side on just 18 pitches, securing the 5-3 victory and sending the Americans to the semifinals. Miller’s dominant performance capped off a strong all-around effort from Team USA.
Next Up: Dominican Republic
Team USA will now face a formidable Dominican Republic team in the WBC Semifinals on Sunday night in Miami. The Dominican Republic advanced after a dominant 10-0 victory over Korea, tying the World Baseball Classic record for most home runs in a single tournament. The semifinal matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the tournament’s top teams. The outcome will determine which nation advances to the championship game.
What are your thoughts on Team USA’s chances in the semifinals? Share your predictions in the comments below!
