It is on.
Tuesday night in Miami, the United States of America will face Venezuela in a single game to crown the 2026 World Baseball Classic champion.
Paul Skenes pitched wonderfully against the seemingly unstoppable offense of the Dominican Republic on Sunday, with solo shots from Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony sending Team USA to the final.
On the other end of the bracket, Venezuela upset the defending champions from Japan in the quarterfinals before finally ending Italy’s Cinderella story in the semifinals.
Aaron Judge and the USA. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Venezuela. It’s a battle between two of the best overall lineups we’ve ever seen in the WBC, and it might come down to the pitching as it did in both semifinals to see who will hoist the most prestigious international trophy in sports.
On Sunday, one reigning Cy Young winner watched from the dugout as another performed on the mound, as Tarik Skubal rejoined the team to watch Skenes do his best against the likes of Juan Soto and the Dominican hitting arsenal.
Skubal drove through rain from Detroit Tigers spring training in Florida to join the team in Miami, stating that he wanted to be there with the team.
“I just can’t miss an opportunity to share a dugout with these guys.”
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While young New York Mets hurler Nolan McLean was already announced as the starter, is it possible for Skubal to come in for relief or take over if his team needs him?
Skubal will be there, but only as a supporter from the dugout.
After leaving the WBC early to return to the Tigers, Skubal struck out seven over 61 pitches in a practice game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.
He can’t and won’t pitch for the Americans on Tuesday night in the final, regardless of the circumstances.
Skubal’s WBC run was a single game against Great Britain, in which he completed three innings while allowing a single run, a leadoff home run from Nate Eaton.
