World Baseball Classic Schedule for Sunday, March 8th:
10.30am CET WBC Pool A: Korea versus China
(Tokyo Dome, Japan, ESPN America, ESPN2, MLB.tv live)
After getting crushed by Japan on Saturday, Korea faces China on Sunday, hoping to advance to round two. The Olympic Champion is still the heavy favorite in this matchup, but should be warned after China had upset Taiwan yesterday.
7pm CET WBC Pool B: Cuba versus South Africa
(Foro Sol Stadium, Mexico City, MLB Network, MLB.tv live)
Cuba expects nothing less than an easy victory on Sunday, opening Pool B of the World Baseball Classic in Mexico City against South Africa. The Caribbean tournament favorite would face the winner of Mexico-Australia on Tuesday.
9.30pm CET WBC Pool D: Dominican Republic versus Panama
(Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, ESPN America, ESPN, MLB.tv live)
The Dominican team has to get out of its slump on Sunday or they will go home. After being stunned by the Netherlands a day ago, they need a win over Panama. Manager Felipe Alou will make a few changes in the lineup, though the moves were planned before the event started. Jose Reyes takes over at short for Hanley Ramirez, Jose Bautista plays in left field for Nelson Cruz and Alberto Castillo replaces Miguel Olivo behind the plate. Cincinnati Red Johnny Cueto is expected to start and hopes for more than two runs support from his offense. Panama will have Ramiro Mendoza on the mound in the decisive game, who begins instead of Abraham Astencio. Catcher Carlos Ruiz is questionable after leaving the game early on Saturday.
Monday, 1am CET WBC Pool C: USA versus Venezuela
(Rogers Centre, Toronto, ESPN America, ESPN, MLB.tv live)
Roy Oswalt and Armando Galarraga will face each other, as Team USA and Venezuela clash on Sunday in Pool C of the World Baseball Classic in Toronto, determining the first advancing team from this group.
Monday, 2am CET WBC Pool B: Mexico versus Australia
(Foro Sol Stadium, Mexico City, ESPN America (Coverage starts at 4am CET), MLB Network, MLB.tv live)
Mexico and Australia conclude the fourth day of the 2009 World Baseball Classic on Sunday evening with the second game in Pool B in Mexico City. Mexico’s offense impressed during the exhibition phase, which could be bad news for Australian pitching.