There are only two teams that have not lost a game at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
And Team USA must pass one of them to reach the semifinals.
The defending WBC champion begins this weekend with a showdown against Venezuela at LoanDepot Park in Miami. The Quarterfinals Matchup is Team USA’s toughest test yet, and it’s a win-or-go home situation.
Venezuela won Pool D, arguably the toughest of the four groups, with a perfect 4-0 record. That unbeaten run was punctuated by a 5-1 win over the Dominican Republic and a 9-6 win over Puerto Rico.
Similar to Team USA, Venezuela’s roster is filled with MLB stars. Jose Altuve, Ronald Acuna Jr., Salvador Perez and Luis Arraez are just a few of the names United States pitchers have to contend with.
While the Americans went 3-1 in pool play, they need to do much better than overall to beat Venezuela and keep their title defense alive.
So will the Americans be up to the occasion or will this mark the end of their WBC run? Here’s what you should know before the Team USA-Venezuela fight.
When is the WBC Team USA vs. Venezuela match?
Team USA and Venezuela meet in the final quarterfinals match of the tournament on Saturday.
When does the WBC game Team USA vs. Venezuela start?
The first slot at LoanDepot Park is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.
On which TV station will the WBC match Team USA vs. Venezuela be broadcast?
FOX will broadcast the game between USA and Venezuela.
How to stream Team USA vs Venezuela WBC game
You can also stream the action on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App.
Who are the starting pitchers for Team USA vs. Venezuela?
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa passes the ball to Lance Lynn. This will be the two-time All-Star’s second start after beating Canada. Lynn allowed a two-hit run and hit six over five innings.
Venezuela has yet to name a starter.
What is the expected starting line-up for Team USA against Venezuela?
Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt are bans at this point.
With Pete Alonso 0-for-9 on the plate, it seems like a safe bet that DeRosa will roll at DH with Kyle Schwarber and put Kyle Tucker in left field.
In midfield, the duo of Tim Anderson and Trea Turner makes the most sense given that Jeff McNeil has only reached base once.
Finally, look for JT Realmuto to nod the catcher after Will Smith starts the final game.
So here’s what DeRosa might choose as a starting lineup:
1. Mookie Betts, RF
2. Mike Forelle, CF
3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Kyle Schwarber, DH
6. Kyle Tucker, L.F
7. Tim Anderson, 2B
8th. JT Realmuto, C
9. Trea Turner, S.S
