2013 World Baseball Classic: TV schedule and Games for Sunday
Three games are on the World Baseball Classic schedule for today. Two teams square off for pride, two battle it out for the top seed and two teams are playing for their WBC lives.
12:30 p.m local, 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Spain has been a tougher opponent than most people thought they would be in their first time in the tournament, but they have still not yet won a game. Venezuela, on the other hand, proved to be a disappointment in these games. Despite a number of high profile Major League stars, including 2012 American League MVP Miguel Cabrera, the Venezuelan team failed to win a game and will not advance to the second round. The two teams are playing purely for pride at this point. The Spanish club would love to leave these games with a win here, showing that they belong among the top international baseball programs, while the powerful Venezuelan team hopes to avoid the embarrassment of going win-less.
Ramon A. Ramirez, who pitched for the Reds from 2008-2009, will start for Venezuela. Richard Castillo, a native of Venezuela playing for Spain will get the start for the Spanish team. Spain's manager, Mauro Mazzotti, says he will use every pitcher he has available today ans Spain tries to end on a high note.
USA at Canada
1:00 pm local, 4:00 p.m. Eastern, Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
The USA and Canada square off today with a berth in the second round on the line. Both teams have won one game and lost one game in the tournament's first round and need a second win to move on. Canada is coming off of a big win over Mexico in an emotionally-charge game that saw the bench clear in the ninth. The USA powered past the previously undefeated Italian team on a David Wright grand slam and strong pitching from Ryan Vogelsong and Ross Detwiler. They will need to get more strong pitching today to cool the hot bats of the Canadian squad.
Derek Holland of the Texas Rangers gets the ball for Team USA and manager Joe Torre has a well-rested bullpen at his disposal to back Holland up. Pirates prospect Jameson Taillon will pitch for Team Canada.
Dominican Republic at Puerto Rico
7:30 p.m local, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are both undefeated to this point and this game will determine who gets the top seed in round two. Puerto Rico beat the strong Venezuelan team 6-3 yesterday, while the Dominicans held off a tenacious Spanish team to win 6-3 in their second game.
Pirates starter Wandy Rodriguez will take the hill for the Dominican team. Puerto Rico is expected to start veteran Orlando Roman, a former Mets farm hand who spent 2012 pitching in the Japanese Central League.
<p><b>Spain vs. Venezuela:</b> Sunday, 12:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET</p> <p><b>Venue:</b> Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico</p> <p><b>TV:</b> MLB Network, ESPN Desportes en Español (U.S.), </p> <p><b>USA vs. Canada:</b> Sunday, 1:00 p.m. local, 4:00 p.m. ET</p> <p><b>Venue:</b> Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona, USA</p> <p><b>TV:</b> MLB Network, ESPN Desportes en Español (U.S.), </p> <p><b>Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico:</b> Sunday, 7:30 p.m. local, 7:30 p.m. ET</p> <p><b>Venue:</b> Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico</p> <p><b>TV:</b> MLB Network, ESPN Desportes en Español (U.S.), </p>
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