WBC Game Chat: Nolan McLean Takes on Italy
After Japan won its game this morning 9-0, securing a 4-0 record in pool play, there are three more WBC games Tuesday night on the penultimate day of games before the knockout round.
Let’s run through some brief previews of the games, and chat away in the comments below!
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Israel vs. the Netherlands — 7 p.m. — Fox Sports App
Both teams are eliminated from advancing to the knockout round due to their 1-2 records. There’s plenty of MLB talent between the two, but the other game at the same time has stakes. Hopefully both have fun playing!
Canada vs. Puerto Rico — 7 p.m. — TUBI
Puerto Rico has clinched their spot in the knockout round, so they could take this game and rest their primary stars. But they’re playing in San Juan! So expect them to show up in full force versus Canada, who is the only team to play just two games so far in the WBC. If they lose today, Canada will need a win over Cuba on Wednesday to advance. With a win today, Canada would still need to win Wednesday but could also win the pool.
Puerto Rico has José De León, traditionally a reliever, starting, and Canada is sending Jordan Balazovic, a career minor league reliever, to the hill. Edwin Díaz has pitched in two of Puerto Rico’s three games so far, so don’t expect him in the game if it’s close. Francisco Lindor will surely be watching this one from home and posting about it on Instagram.
Italy vs. United States — 9 p.m. — FS1
Team USA has nearly earned itself an advancement to the knockout round, but a win Tuesday night guarantees a Pool D win. (Italy and Mexico play tomorrow, guaranteeing a loss for either, so even with a loss to Italy tonight, Team USA will get into the knockout stage as long as it’s not a blowout.)
Leading the team on the mound tonight will be Nolan McLean.
The 24-year-old, who still maintains rookie status, should have a national coming out party against an Italian team that features few major leaguers. If Team USA makes it to the final next week, McLean will be on the bump, too. It’ll be a fun watch for Mets fans!
For some pre-game reading, check out Jeff Passan’s profile of McLean.
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