For the first time ever, Team Canada is in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. On Wednesday afternoon, Team Canada won Pool A as they defeated Cuba by a score of 7-2. With the win, Team Canada improved to a record of three wins and one loss. That was the same record as Puerto Rico, but Canada got first place because they defeated Puerto Rico by a score of 3-2 on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the top Canadian player was Kansas City Royals third baseman Abraham Toro of Longueuil, Quebec. Toro led Team Canada in runs scored (two) and hits (three). Toro had a single, double and a home run.
Team Canada had two more extra base hits. Colorado Rockies second baseman Edouard Julien of Quebec City, Quebec and Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor each had a double.
On the mound, we saw an excellent performance from Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cal Quantrill of Port Hope, Ontario. Quantrill threw five innings, without giving up an earned run. He gave up two hits and one walk.
Now in the quarterfinals, Canada will play the United States in Houston on Friday. The other quarterfinals have Japan versus Venezuela, South Korea versus the Dominican Republic and Italy versus Puerto Rico.
