USA expects World Baseball Classic 'spectacle' vs. Dominican Republic superstars
USA TODAY
USA baseball's showdown against DR will decide a spot in the WBC title game
HOUSTON — Team USA survived its pool, won its quarterfinal game Friday against Canada, and acted like it was all just a three-hour business meeting.
The players walked slowly out of the dugout onto the field after their 5-3 victory, shook hands, politely fist-bumped each other, slapped a couple of backs, and retreated to the Daikin Park clubhouse to pack for their trip to Miami to play the Dominican Republic on Sunday in the World Baseball Classic semifinals.
They insist they’re having a blast, with several saying it’s the best time they’ve ever had playing baseball, but outwardly, their emotions have been muted, almost as if winning four of five games has been simply a relief.
“Still rooting for Team USA," former MLB outfielder Cameron Maybin posted on his X account, “but damn… these games have been boring as hell to watch. Save me the 'this is the American way to play the game' speech. ...
"Have some fun. Celebrate these moments. The DR, Venezuela, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico… those boys are playing with real juice and you can feel it through the TV. Right now Team USA look dry as hel."
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USA baseball's showdown against DR will decide a spot in the WBC title game
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