Now that Pools A + B have concluded Round 1 -- with Cuba, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and the Netherlands advancing to the next round -- Pools C + D can get things started. The two remaining first-round pools have one match each day, while the victors of the first two groups get started on Round 2.
World Baseball Classic 2013: Games and TV schedule for Thursday
What’s that you say? WBC games are finally being played at reasonable times for viewers in the States? Huzzah!
Koji Watanabe
Here’s a rundown of the day’s games:
Mexico vs. Italy: Thursday, 1:00 p.m. local, 3:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Phoenix, Arizona
TV: MLB Network (U.S.), ESPN Deportes (U.S.)
The first stateside match of the tournament, the Adrian Gonzalez-led Mexican club will take on an Italian squad that boasts few big-league regulars. Young Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo headlines the Italy team, along with Nick Punto, Jason Grilli, and Alex Liddi. Italy has their work cut out for them on offense right out of the gate, as Mexico features a strong pitching staff that includes Yovani Gallardo, Sergio Romo, Javy Guerra, Luis Mendoza, and Alfredo Aceves.
Starting Pitchers: TBD
Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. local, 6:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
TV: MLB Network (U.S.), ESPN Deportes (U.S.)
The Dominican Republic and Venezuela have two of the most loaded rosters in the tournament. Both squads are stacked with MLB All-Stars -- including Miguel Cabrerea, Jose Reyes, Pablo Sandovala -- though the Venezuelan club may be playing with an extra chip on their shoulder in light of the recent passing of President Hugo Chavez. Padres right-hander Edinson Volquez will take the mound for the D.R. on Thursday against the Tigers' big offseason (re)acquisition Anibal Sanchez.
Starting Pitchers: RHP Edinson Volquez v. RHP Anibal Sanchez
Cuba vs. Netherlands: Friday, 12:00 p.m. local; Thursday, 10:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
TV: MLB Network (U.S.), ESPN Deportes (U.S.)
Cuba and Holland kick off the modified double-elimination portion of the tournament with a Thursday evening match-up in Tokyo. The Cuban club walloped its way through pool play -- scoring 23 runs in three games -- and will look to do more of the same against a surprise Netherlands club that is bolstered by young infielders Xander Bogaerts, Andrelton Simmons, and Jonathan Schoop.
Starting Pitchers: TBD
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