USA Defeats Canada in World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal, Advances to Semifinals

HOUSTON – Team USA advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic after defeating Canada 5-3 in a tightly contested quarterfinal matchup Friday night. Brice Turang and Pete Crow-Armstrong each drove in a run in the sixth inning, providing the decisive offense for the Americans.

The United States, runners-up to Japan in the 2023 tournament, will face the Dominican Republic on Sunday in Miami. Canada’s tournament run ends after a strong showing in the opening round.

Sixth-Inning Surge Propels USA

After a relatively quiet start, the Americans broke the game open in the sixth. Adam Macko was on the mound for Canada when both Turang and Crow-Armstrong delivered key hits, extending the U.S. Lead to 5-0. This cushion proved crucial as Canada mounted a late rally.

The offensive output in the sixth inning was a direct response to a scoreless stretch for both teams. Prior to the sixth, the game was a pitching duel, with both starters keeping hitters off balance.

Early American Lead

The United States established an early advantage in the first inning. Bobby Witt Jr. Reached base on a walk against Canadian starter Mike Soroka, then advanced to third on a double by Aaron Judge. Kyle Schwarber followed with a ground ball that plated Witt Jr., giving the U.S. A 1-0 lead.

Soroka encountered further trouble in the third inning, loading the bases. Alex Bregman capitalized with a two-run single, increasing the American lead to 3-0 and ending Soroka’s night on the mound.

Canada Fights Back in the Sixth

Canada refused to move quietly. After falling behind 5-0, they began to chip away at the deficit in the sixth. Owen Caissie drew a walk, and advanced to second when Abraham Toro was out on a grounder. Tyler Black then singled, bringing Caissie home and putting Canada on the board.

The momentum continued when Gabe Speier entered the game in relief of Brad Keller, and immediately surrendered a two-run home run to Bo Naylor, cutting the U.S. Lead to 5-3. The blast energized the Canadian dugout and brought the crowd to its feet.

Seventh-Inning Threat Falls Short

Canada threatened again in the seventh inning, loading the runners on first and second with no outs. Quebec natives Édouard Julien and Otto Lopez were unable to drive in the tying runs, however, as the American pitching staff managed to escape the jam.

Pitching Performances

U.S. Starting pitcher Logan Webb earned his second victory of the tournament, allowing four hits and one walk over four and two-thirds innings. Mason Miller secured the save for the United States.

Soroka took the loss for Canada, conceding three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks in two and two-thirds innings. The Canadian pitching staff struggled to contain the American offense after Soroka’s departure.

Looking Ahead

The other World Baseball Classic quarterfinal matchups will seize place Saturday. Italy will face Puerto Rico, and Japan will play Venezuela. The winners of those games will join the United States and the Dominican Republic in the tournament semifinals.

This was the first time Canada had reached the quarterfinal stage of the World Baseball Classic in the event’s 20-year history, having finished atop Group A with a 3-1 record. Despite the loss, the Canadian team demonstrated significant progress and a promising future in international baseball.

The United States will now turn their attention to a challenging semifinal matchup against a strong Dominican Republic team. The winner will advance to the championship game, seeking to claim the title of World Baseball Classic champion.