Baseball is back, with pitchers and catchers now reporting to Glendale. The entire roster will be reporting in soon and training camp will officially begin, but this spring, there will be a few extra things added to the mix. The World Baseball Classic returns, turning March into a whirlwind of games, travel and proudly displaying those old flags.
The Samurai are seeking their fourth WBC title since 2006. The last final? Still etched in the memory: Shohei Ohtani fanning Mike Trout. Hollywood scripts really couldn’t be better. The 2017 champions, Team USA, are looking to take back their throne and finally have some elite weapons to contend with the loud bats.
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Fans of the South End have plenty of reasons to tune in, as some familiar faces will temporarily switch to black and white in the colors of their home countries. Chicago will have representatives in multiple pools, giving Camelback Ranch a distinct international feel before Cactus League play begins.
The WBC tournament will take place March 5-17, with pool play taking place from Houston and Miami to Tokyo and several other stops before concluding at Miami’s LoonDepot Park.
How to watch Team USA pool games
If you follow Team USA, here is the list of pool games. The top two in the five-team group move on. All Group B games are played at Big King Park in Houston.
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Friday, March 6
Team USA vs. Brazil
First Pitch: 8pm ET
TV: FOX/FOX Deportes
Saturday, March 7
Team USA vs Team UK
First Pitch: 8pm ET
TV: Fox
Monday, March 9
Team USA vs Team Mexico
First Pitch: 8pm ET
TV: FOX/FOX Deportes
Tuesday, March 10
Team USA vs Team Italy
First pitch: 9 p.m. ET
TV: FS1/FOX Deportes
If Team USA advances, how the knockout rounds will unfold:
Quarterfinal Scenario (Houston)
Friday, March 13 (If Team USA wins Group B)
Against Group A runners-up
8 p.m. ET — FOX/FOX Deportes
Saturday, March 14 (If Team USA finishes second in Group B)
Against Group A winners
3 p.m. ET — FS1/FOX Deportes
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Semifinals and Championship (Miami)
Sunday, March 15 (If advancing through Scenario 1)
8 p.m. ET — FS1/FOX Deportes
Monday, March 16 (If advancing through scenario 2)
8 p.m. ET — FS1/Fox Deportes
Tuesday, March 17—Championship Game
8 p.m. ET — Fox/Fox Deportes
Extra pool games
Do you want to follow in the footsteps of other countries? View the full schedule.
we have broken up where are the red soxwho might be making some noise, and what it all means for Glendale’s lineup. So buckle up: Training camps are open, the world is watching, and the real baseball is finally about to begin.
