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MLB spring training continues to create intriguing storylines, and the World Baseball Classic is underway with Pool A and Pool B. Games are scheduled for today, which we will explore in this roundup.
Netherlands take first win of the World Baseball Classic
The Netherlands defeated Cuba 4-2 in their opening game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic in Taichung, Taiwan.
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The match-up between the two favorites from Pool A was a pitchers’ duel for the first six innings before the Netherlands broke free to win the game. Cuban starter Yariel Rodriguez gave up one run on three hits and struck out six over four innings. The Netherlands’ Tom de Blok gave up one hit and one run over three innings.
Chadwick Tromp, who plays for the Atlanta Braves, hit a bloop, two-run single in the sixth inning to make it 4-1 and break the game open. Cuba added a run in the seventh but could not find a way back into the game.
The Netherlands’ next game will be against Panama on March 9, while Cuba takes on Italy later the same day.
MLB News: Boston Red Sox legend retires at 37
Former Boston Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland has announced his retirement from baseball, ending a 12-season career.
Moreland, who won the World Series championship with the Red Sox in 2018, did not play in a single game in the 2021 season. He said that he has enjoyed being with his family too much to consider a comeback.
Moreland played for three-plus seasons with the Red Sox, during which time he earned his only All-Star appearance. During the 2018 World Series, Moreland delivered a pivotal moment in Game 4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting a pinch-hit, three-run home run with two outs.
MLB News: Insider believes the New York Yankees have resolved their SS competition
The New York Yankees currently have competition for the starting shortstop position during Spring Training. The contenders for the position are Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Oswald Peraza, Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera.
Although Kiner-Falefa was the starter last year, Peraza and Volpe are top prospects who are believed to be the Yankees' middle infield of the future.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, although Peraza has been dealing with lower leg soreness, it is not considered serious. He is thought to have the edge in the competition at the moment, with Kiner-Falefa potentially being on the bench at the start of the year. Volpe is expected to start in the minor leagues, and Cabrera will likely be used as a super utility man.
March 8, World Baseball Classic Schedule
The 2023 World Baseball Classic is off to a running start with three games scheduled for today. The action kicks off with a Pool A match between Panama and Chinese Taipei at 6 a.m. ET on FS2. This will be followed by a Pool B match between Australia and Korea at 10 p.m. ET on FS1. The final match of the day sees Panama take on the Netherlands at 11 p.m. ET on FS2, also in Pool A.
Fans can follow all the updates, news, analysis and more in this exciting tournament.
