Team USA entered the knockout round of the World Baseball Classic with a 3–1 record in pool play, coming off a loss to Italy in its final game. The U.S. needed Italy to defeat Mexico in order to advance, and that result sent the U.S. into the elimination round. Canada also finished pool play at 3–1, suffering its lone loss to Panama while still claiming first place in Pool A. The matchup took place at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.
Team USA came out swinging early. Bryce Harper nearly opened the scoring with a towering drive to the outfield, but Canada’s Denzel Clarke made a leaping catch to rob the deep ball. The U.S. still managed to strike first in the top of the first inning when Kyle Schwarber drove in Bobby Witt Jr. with an RBI groundout, giving Team USA a 1–0 lead.
On the mound, Logan Webb delivered a dominant performance. The right-hander worked five shutout innings, allowing just four hits while striking out five and keeping Canada’s lineup off the scoreboard.
After a quiet second inning, the U.S. offense added more damage in the third. Alex Bregman hit a ground ball to Canada third baseman Abraham Toro, but Toro’s throw to first sailed high. The error allowed Bregman to reach safely while both Harper and Aaron Judge came around to score, extending the U.S.’s lead to 3–0.
Team USA broke the game open in the sixth inning. Brice Turang delivered an RBI single that brought in Roman Anthony to make it 4–0. Shortly after, Pete Crow‑Armstrong added another RBI single, allowing Cal Raleigh to score and push the lead to 5–0.
Canada responded in the bottom half of the inning. Reliever Brad Keller entered the game for the U.S. but surrendered an RBI hit that put Canada on the board, cutting the deficit to 5–1. The pressure continued when Gabe Speier allowed a two-run home run to Bo Naylor, bringing Canada within two runs at 5–3.
Despite the late scare, Team USA held on to secure the win and advance to the World Baseball Classic semifinals. Team USA will face the Dominican Republic on March 15 in Miami, Florida, with a spot in the championship game on the line.
