Team USA Edges Canada 5-3 in Thrilling World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal

Under the bright lights at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, the United States claimed a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Canada in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal, in front of a raucous crowd of 38,054 fans on March 13, 2026.

Early Advantage for the Americans

The U.S. wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the top of the first inning, Bobby Witt Jr. drew a walk to spark the rally. Aaron Judge delivered a clutch double to left field, advancing Witt Jr. to third. Kyle Schwarber then drove in the game's first run with a groundout to the right side (the ball bounced off first baseman Josh Naylor's glove into second baseman Edouard Julien's for the out), giving Team USA an early 1-0 lead after one.

Third Inning Explosion

The Americans broke the game open in the third. Pete Crow-Armstrong reached on an infield single, and patient at-bats loaded the bases. Alex Bregman delivered a crucial infield single to third, and a throwing error by Canada's Abraham Toro allowed two runs (Harper and Judge) to score, pushing the lead to 3-0.

Insurance Runs in the Sixth

The U.S. added two more in the sixth to make it 5-0. Roman Anthony reached on an infield single, and Cal Raleigh drew a walk. Brice Turang then singled to center, scoring Anthony. Pete Crow-Armstrong followed with another single to center, plating Raleigh and giving Team USA a commanding five-run cushion.

Canada Strikes Back

Canada refused to go quietly. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Tyler Black drove in Owen Caissie with a single to left field, cutting the deficit to 5-1. Then Bo Naylor delivered the biggest blow of the night for Canada—a massive 404-foot two-run homer to right center, bringing the score to 5-3 and sending the Canadian faithful into a frenzy.

Dominant Pitching Seals the Deal

Logan Webb was masterful for Team USA, pitching 4⅔ innings while allowing just four hits and zero runs with five strikeouts. The bullpen was equally impressive, with David Bednar, Garrett Whitlock, and closer Mason Miller combining to shut down Canada's bats in the late innings.

Miller was electric in the ninth, striking out the side—Jacob Young, Edouard Julien, and Otto Lopez—to secure the save and clinch the victory for the United States.

Final Thoughts

It was a complete team effort for the Americans, who got timely hitting and stellar pitching when it mattered most. Canada showed resilience, particularly with Bo Naylor's power display, but ultimately fell just short.

With this win, Team USA advances to face the Dominican Republic in the semifinals on Sunday, March 15, at loanDepot Park in Miami. The Stars and Stripes march on. 🇺🇸