World Baseball Classic Tiebreaker Rules Explained: Breaking down what happens if teams are all tied on points

The World Baseball Classic has been an incredible tournament for baseball fans across the globe. From Japan to the United States, fans have flocked to the games to cheer on their favorite teams.

Spectators have been treated to several incredible performances and feel-good stories so far throughout the international tournament.

One of the most notable recent stories is that of Nicaraguan pitcher Duque Hebbert, who struck out Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, and Rafael Devers. He was signed to a minor league contract by the Detroit Tigers immediately following the game.

"The baseball! After striking out Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez and Rafael Devers, 21-year-old Nicaraguan Duque Hebert has just signed with the Detroit Tigers. In good time!" - @AlertasRD

Now, as the opening round of the World Baseball Classic is almost complete, the story has shifted to the potential tie-breaker rules that may need to come into play. While some teams have already advanced to the next round, other pools are neck-and-neck with games coming down to the wire.

The tied teams shall be ranked in the standings according to the lowest quotient of the fewest runs allowed divided by the number of defensive outs recorded in the games in that round between the teams tied. While confusing, the rule has already been implemented, resulting in Team Cuba finishing first in their pool.

Cuba, which gave up 15 runs and recorded 108 outs over its four pool games, averaged .139 runs allowed per out, the best rate in the pool. As such, it finished top of the group, even though every team in Pool A finished with a 2-2 record.

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Could the World Baseball Classic tie-breaker rules come into effect for Pool C as well?

Today's game in Pool C may very well determine the outcome of the World Baseball Classic. If Team USA were to lose their important matchup against Colombia today, it would create a three-way tie in Pool C.

A loss for the US would lead to a tie with Colombia and the loser of the game between Team Mexico and Team Canada.

"Finished Canada vs Colombia from yesterday. HUGE win for Canada upsetting Colombia 5-0. Pool C is looking like it might come down to tie breakers if USA loses to Colombia. #WorldBaseballClassic" - Jordan McClure

Entering the World Baseball Classic, Team USA and Team Dominican Republic were ranked as two of the favorites to win the entire tournament. However, depending on the results of today's games, they both face the risk of being eliminated in the opening round.

"There's a very realistic scenario where the Dominican Republic and USA both get eliminated in the first round of the WBC. All it takes are upsets from Puerto Rico & Colombia today" - The Game Day MLB