Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith and legendary starter Clayton Kershaw are in danger of being eliminated from the WBC with Team USA.
The U.S. lost to Italy 8-6 on Wednesday, but Kershaw did not play in the game, and the fate of the U.S. team is no longer in their control. Kershaw warmed up in the bullpen during the loss, but manager Mark DeRosa elected to replace him with All-Star reliever Mason Miller. The left-hander has yet to make an appearance for the team in the tournament.
advertise
Smith started the game and made 2 of 4 shots and scored two points. This is his second start after playing against Great Britain in the third match of the WBC.
Team USA ended pool play with a loss, falling to a 3-1 record. With records of 3-0 and 2-1 respectively, the Italian team and the Mexican team can both eliminate the American team and advance to the next round.
Once the scores are concluded, the WBC will hold five tiebreakers to decide who advances. The first is a head-to-head record, but if the three finish 3-1, they will have the same 1-1 record. The next tiebreaker is the earned runs allowed per defensive out against the tied team, and then the ERA allowed per defensive out in the game between the tied teams.
If the game also ends in a tie (almost unlikely in this case), the ultimate tiebreaker is the batting average of the game between the tied teams. If the teams are still tied after this, they will be drawn.
March 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; American catcher Will Smith (16) hits a double in the fifth inning against Italy at Big King Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
How can Team USA avoid elimination?
While the WBC’s tiebreaker rules are rather unorthodox and confusing, the situation is simpler than it seems.
advertise
If Italy wins and has a perfect 4-0 record in the group stage, Mexico will be eliminated and the United States will advance to the quarterfinals from second place.
If Mexico wins, the United States will need them to score five points or more to advance with them. However, if it scores less than five points, the United States will be eliminated and Mexico and Italy will advance to the next round.
Canada moved into first place in Group A after a win over Cuba on Wednesday afternoon and will play the team that finished second among the three teams. Puerto Rico finished second, which meant they would play the winner of that group.
What do you hope Team USA accomplishes?
