World Baseball Classic: Canada makes history! National team advances to first-ever WBC quarter-finals

For the first time in the 20-year history of the World Baseball Classic, Canada is moving on.

Behind a stellar performance from right-hander Cal Quantrill and a relentless offensive attack, Canada defeated powerhouse Cuba 7-2 on Wednesday. The victory secured Canada the top spot in Group A with a 3-1 record, officially punching their ticket to the knockout stage in Houston, Texas.

Quantrill was the anchor, tossing five dominant innings and allowing only one unearned run. The offense provided plenty of support, sparked by Abraham Toro, who launched a 420-foot solo home run. Canada later broke the game open with a three-run surge in the sixth, fueled by a Bo Naylor RBI double and a two-run single from Otto Lopez.

James Paxton provided nerves of steel in relief, striking out six over 2.2 scoreless innings to stifle a late Cuban rally.

What’s Next: A Border Battle in Houston

By winning Group A, Canada has set up a massive quarter-final showdown against the United States.

The Americans narrowly escaped elimination after a shocking 8-6 loss to Italy on Tuesday left them needing help.

Their “pancetta” was ultimately saved by the Italians, who continued their surprising, undefeated run by crushing Mexico 9-1 on Wednesday night. That result eliminated Mexico and allowed the U.S. to “squeak in” as the Group B runner-up.

Canada will face the star-studded U.S. roster this Friday, March 13, at 8:00 PM ET. With the momentum of their first-ever advancement and a “homegrown” victory secured just as March Break kicks off back home, the Canadians are ready for the ultimate test.

MS