USA vs Brazil WBC live score updates: Captain America slugs home run, how to watch
USA TODAY
Team USA's quest for a second WBC title begins in Houston. Follow for live updates.
HOUSTON — This is where it all begins for Team USA, which hasn't been shy in saying that it’s gold medal or bust in this year’s World Baseball Classic.
Friday's opener has all the makings of a rout considering Brazil is expected to be the weakest team in Pool B. This is Brazil’s first appearance in the WBC since 2013, and they have yet to win a game in the tournament. Right-handed pitcher Thyago Vieira is the only player on Brazil with major-league experience, having appeared in 68 games in relief over five seasons.
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The United States has assembled its most talented WBC team ever, trying to avenge a loss in the 2023 title game against Japan when Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout. San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will be USA’s starting pitcher.
“Respect for everybody, fear nobody," USA manager Mark DeRosa said. “So, yeah, I think the expectation is to win the whole thing."
USA and Venezuela face off in Miami for World Baseball Classic title. Follow for live updates
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Team Venezuela has already made its deepest World Baseball Classic run, but a championship win against the USA would instill even more national pride.
Venezuela rallied late to defeat Italy and set up a showdown with Team USA in the WBC title game.
Italy and Venezuela face off in the WBC semifinal for a spot in the championship game against Team USA.
Nolan McLean was the losing pitcher as the USA fell to Italy, but he says he's good to go in the championship game.
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