Category: Baseball

Urias Lined up to Start Dodgers’ Opener; Kershaw `Excited’

GOODYEAR, Ariz.—Julio Urías is lined up to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers on opening day—and that’s just fine with teammate Clayton Kershaw. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts hasn’t announced his scheduled starter for March 30 against Arizona. Roberts, however, told reporters Tuesday that Urías will pitch Friday in a Cactus League game against Milwaukee…


Ohtani Fans Trout, Japan Tops US 3–2 for WBC Championship

MIAMI—Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout had dreamed of this moment, along with millions of fans throughout Japan and the United States: the two biggest stars on the planet, longtime teammates, facing each other at 60 feet, 6 inches, the world title at stake. Of course, the count went full. And then Ohtani got Trout to…


Trout Might Not Get to Hit Vs Ohtani in WBC Championship

MIAMI—That matchup between Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani in the World Baseball Classic may not happen. Japan rallied in the ninth inning to beat Mexico and advance to Tuesday night’s championship game against the United States, but Shota Imanaga will start on the mound for the Samurai Warriors. If Trout is to bat against his…


US Routs Cuba 14–2 to Reach World Baseball Classic Final

MIAMI—Trea Turner homered twice to give him a tournament-leading four, and the defending champion United States romped over Cuba 14–2 on Sunday night, March 19, to reach its second straight World Baseball Classic final. Paul Goldschmidt and Cedric Mullins also homered for the Americans, who scored in seven of eight innings—putting up crooked numbers in…


Trea Turner’s Go-ahead Grand Slam Leads USA Past Venezuela

Trea Turner slugged a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning as the United States defeated Venezuela 9–7 in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals on Saturday night in Miami. Team USA will play Cuba in a semifinal game on Sunday night in Miami. “I tried to not do too much,” Turner said. “Wait for a…


USA Beats Colombia to Advance to WBC Quarters

PHOENIX—Mike Trout had three hits and three RBIs Wednesday, March 15, to lead Team USA to a 3–2 victory over Colombia and a spot in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals. The U.S. and Mexico each finished 3–1 in games played at Chase Field to take the top two spots in Pool C. Mexico earned the…


WBC Roundup: Mexico Blasts Canada to Claim Pool C

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena doubled twice and drove in five runs as Mexico routed Canada 10–3 on Wednesday in Phoenix to win Pool C in the World Baseball Classic. Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rowdy Tellez added a two-run single and a solo homer for Mexico, which finished 3–1 in group play. Canada, which…


Bally Sports Owner Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Diamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday. The move came after it missed a $140 million interest payment last month. Diamond owns 19 networks under the Bally Sports banner. Those networks have the rights to 42 professional teams—14 baseball, 16 NBA, and 12 NHL….


USA Routs Canada, Climbs Back Into Contention at WBC

PHOENIX—The United States scored nine runs against Canada in the first inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from Mike Trout, and went on to win 12–1 by mercy rule in seven innings on Monday in a pivotal Pool C game at the World Baseball Classic. The much-needed victory coming off the U.S. team’s 11–5 loss…


U.S. Faces Canada in Must-Win Game in World Baseball Classic

PHOENIX—A must-win situation arrived early for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. The loss to Mexico on Sunday night in front of a capacity crowd in Phoenix put the U.S. in a precarious position. A loss to Canada in Monday’s night Pool C game would leave the Americans needing a win Wednesday against…