Pool B in the World Baseball Classic has turned into a nailbiter, coming down not only to the final game but the final score.
Italy (3-0) and Mexico (2-1) will play the pool’s final game March 11, and the Italians (or American-born players with Italian lineage) can win the pool by defeating Mexico.
That would ensure Team USA (3-1) gets the second ticket to the quarterfinals. But a Mexico victory creates a three-way tie atop the group, and with each team 1-1 against the other two, the first tiebreaker – ‘fewest runs allowed divided by the number of defensive outs recorded in the games in that round between the teams tied.’
So what does that mean for Team USA? It’s relatively simple:
If Mexico wins and scores four or fewer runs, Team USA is eliminated. A Mexico win while scoring five or more runs ensures the USA goes forward.
And, simplest of all, an Italy victory puts the Italians and Americans in the quarterfinals (even if Team USA has to choke down a serving of humble pie by not winning the group).
WBC pool tiebreakers for USA
USA ADVANCES IF:
Italy defeats Mexico
Mexico beats Italy, scoring five or more runs
USA IS ELIMINATED IF:
Mexico defeats Italy, scoring four or fewer runs
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WBC Pool B standings
Entering Wednesday
Italy: 3-0
United States: 3-1
Mexico: 2-1
Great Britain: 1-3
Brazil: 0-4