Canada advances to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic after defeating Cuba
San Juan – Canada secured its spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic by defeating Cuba with a score of 7-2. The match, which took place at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, also guaranteed Canada the first place in Group A. This victory marks a milestone for the Canadian team, as it is the first time they have advanced to this phase of the tournament. With a 3-1 record, they surpassed Puerto Rico, who also finished with the same record but with a lower run difference. Cal Quantrill’s performance was key to the Canadian triumph. The pitcher worked five innings, allowing only one unearned run and two hits. In addition, he gave up a walk and struck out five batters. The Canadian offense made itself known early. In the third inning, a sacrifice fly by Owen Caissie gave them the lead. In the fifth inning, Abraham Toro hit a solo home run that widened the difference. Although Cuba scored a run in the fifth inning, Canada responded with a three-run rally in the sixth. Bo Naylor drove in a run with a double and Otto López drove in two more with a single, establishing a score of 5-1. In the seventh episode, Cuba scored again thanks to a run-producing hit by Ariel Martinez. However, Josh Naylor responded with an unstoppable run-scorer in the eighth, maintaining the Canadian lead. Caissie once again took center stage in the ninth inning, extending the lead and sealing Canada’s 7-2 victory.With this result, Cuba is out of the tournament in the group stage with a 2-2 record, after having reached the semifinals in the previous edition of the World Baseball Classic. Canada now awaits to know its rival for the quarterfinals, which will come from Group B between Mexico, United States, and Italy.
