Eight teams are left in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. The second round, also being played in a double elimination format, kicks off at 6pm CET in Miami with Venezuela taking on the Netherlands. The pitch counts will rise to 85 for starting pitchers, which should ease it up a little for the managers. Besides the Dominican Republic, which was ousted by the surprise Dutch team, all favorites are still in the competition with Cuba and Puerto Rico the lone undefeated squads. The second round lasts until Thursday, before the semi-finals and finals finish up the WBC in Los Angeles next weekend.
Schedule World Baseball Classic, Saturday, March 14:
6pm CET, WBC Pool 2: Venezuela – Netherlands
(Dolphin Stadium, Miami, Florida, MLB Network, MLB.tv live)
The Dutch team was an underdog at the beginning of the World Baseball Classic and they will remain in this role despite winning twice against the Dominicans. Sidney Ponson takes the mound to continue the Cinderella story, after allowing two runs in four-plus innings in last Saturday’s stunning 3-2 win over David Ortiz and Co. He again will face a loaded lineup with Miguel Cabrera, Magglio Ordonez and Bobby Abreu in the middle of the order. But he should be experienced enough to handle the situation. The question is, if his stuff is good enough and if he receives run support from his offense.
It will be the third game versus a European team in the World Baseball Classic for Venezuela, after beating Italy twice in round one at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Manager Luis Sojo gives the starting nod to Seattle Mariner Carlos Silva, who pitched four scoreless innings in their WBC opener a week ago. In difference to the first game, Felix Hernandez is not expected to follow in relief. Sojo hopes to get at least five innings out of Silva, maybe seven, trying to get the ball to closer Francisco Rodriguez.
Sunday, 1am CET, WBC Pool 2: Puerto Rico – USA
(Dolphin Stadium Miami, Florida, MLB Network, MLB.tv live)
Without Davey Johnson as manager in the dugout, who is attending the wedding of his stepson, but with Jake Peavy on the mound as the starting pitcher, Team USA tries to start into round two without drama. Javier Vazquez will begin for Puerto Rico. Both offenses feature all-star studded lineups, which only had three games since last Saturday and need to get rid of any rust quickly, or the World Baseball Classic could be over in a second.