Last night, the United States faced Mexico in their second game of the World Classic. After (easily) taking the measure of Britain, the Americans eluded him.
In fact, they weren’t really in the game and they lost 11-5. It’s the biggest defeat for the United States at the Classic since 2009.
I don’t think I need to tell you that the Mexicans were happy. They celebrated the victory for many hours in Phoenix.
And with 15 hits, we can understand them: they were really good.
That said, for the Americans, the real tragedy is that it puts them in danger of not moving on to the medal round for the rest of things. And this, even if the club were to win its next two games.
For what? Due to the current ranking status.
What we notice is that Canada (who won against Great Britain yesterday) and Colombia are 1-0 and the United States are 1-1, as is Mexico.
The problem? Even if the United States were to win their next two games (including against Canada tonight), the club could be part of a triple tie… and allowing 11 points does not help the American cause in case of equality.
Because Colombia is also on the menu, I expect the Americans to pick themselves up, but let’s say yesterday’s loss is a wake-up call.
It’s the same for the Puerto Ricans, who emulated the Dominicans by losing against the Venezuelans yesterday. Jose Berrios hasn’t exactly looked good, by the way.
So there are a few surprises during the tournament, which is interesting.
Note that in the quarter-finals in groups A and B, the Japanese and the Italians will face each other. On the other side, the Cubans and the Australians will be adversaries.
- Good idea: the Blue Jays will sell tickets at $20 each to go to the open sections of the stadium, without having a seat.
- Speaking of the Rogers Centre, renovations are progressing well.
- Yusei Kikuchi is on fire during camp.
- Alejandro Kirk will play today.
