Team USA and Venezuela will play the last game of the quarterfinal round of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) on Saturday.
Both teams are coming off impressive presentations in the group stage.
The United States lost their first game against Mexico, then defeated Great Britain, Canada, and Colombia to finish second in Pool C.
Venezuela, on the other hand, is one of two undefeated teams (Japan is the other) and accumulated a 4-0 record to lead Pool D.
They defeated the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and Israel.
To try and control a rock-solid Venezuelan lineup, USA manager Mark DeRosa is sending Chicago White Sox starter Lance Lynn to the mound on Saturday.
“Lance Lynn will start for @USABaseball against Venezuela in tomorrow’s World Baseball Classic quarterfinal,” FOX Sports MLB tweeted.
Lance Lynn will start for @USABaseball against Venezuela in tomorrow's World Baseball Classic quarterfinal 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/mRy51jyA4D
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 17, 2023
Lynn overcame some health issues to post a 3.99 ERA in 121.2 innings last season.
He is a workhorse who can take the ball for at least six innings at this point in the spring.
He was marvelous against Canada in his first outing of the WBC, pitching five innings while allowing just one run.
He didn’t issue any walks and struck out six.
He will be tested against Venezuela and a lineup with Jose Altuve, Ronald Acuna Jr., Anthony Santander, David Peralta, Salvador Perez, Andres Gimenez, and several other stars.
For the Venezuelans, Texas Rangers left-hander Martin Perez is likely to take the ball, but Pablo Lopez and Luis Garcia will be ready in case anything happens.
It will be a showdown for the ages in Miami.
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