Mexico's Randy Arozarena hits an RBI double against Canada during the second inning of a World Baseball Classic game in Phoenix, Wednesday, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
PHOENIX – Randy Arozarena had two doubles and drove in five runs, Rowdy Tellez added a two-run single and solo homer, and Mexico beat Canada 10-3 Wednesday to earn a spot in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic.
Canada had a chance to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time with a win. Instead, the Canadians were eliminated after pool play for the fifth straight tournament.
Mexico started the tournament with a surprising loss to Colombia in Group C at Chase Field but rallied with three straight wins, beating the U.S., Britain and Canada.
José Urquidy gave up two runs over four innings, striking out five to earn the win. Arozarena – the 2021 AL Rookie of the Year for the Tampa Bay Rays – hit a bases-clearing double in the sixth that broke the game open, giving Mexico a 6-2 lead.
Canada leadoff hitter Edouard Julien had two hits, including a solo homer in the seventh inning, and catcher Bo Naylor hit a solo homer. Rob Zastryzny took the loss after giving up three runs over two innings.
Canada played without Los Angeles Dodgers star first baseman Freddie Freeman, who left Tuesday’s game because of a hamstring injury.
The Canadians finished 2-2 with wins over Britain and Colombia and losses to the U.S. and Mexico.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 15, 2023.
