The WBC gets REAL in the Quarterfinals.

      Last night Fox Sports One broadcaster Dan Plesac, when explaining the unpredictability of the World Baseball Classic, stated "none of the experts had Italy and Canada advancing and Mexico and Cuba going home."  Well clearly Mr. Plesac doesn't read Cru's Corner.  Not only did we get Italy and Canada correct, but Cru's Corner predicted correctly on all eight teams advancing.  This tournament will now move to single-elimination games, and Cru's Corner will break down each matchup for you.

     Friday's quarterfinal action kicks off with the Dominican Republic vs. South Korea.  The Dominicans have pretty much blew through every opponent thus far, combining power, speed and defense.  The South Koreans have had to battle out of a tough Japanese bracket just to advance so we got the Dominicans winning here.  Also on Friday, the United States will matchup with a surprising Canadian team.  Canada beat Cuba to advance, and actually finished first in the Puerto Rico bracket.  Logan Webb should be able to slow down the young power of Canada, and the United States team should advance.

     On Saturday the surprise team of the tournament, Italy, will battle a very good Puerto Rico team.  Puerto Rico has struggled a little bit early, much like the United States, and Italy has definitely played at their max ability.  The fact that Italy had to use Aaron Nola for five innings to eliminate Mexico, has Cru's Corner leaning towards team Puerto Rico in this one.  It should be a great game to watch. The final game on Saturday pits Venezuela vs. Japan.  Simply put, Japan has crushed everybody they faced.  Their pride for their country's baseball tradition is unmatched, and it's more than just a tournament to these guys.  Cru's Corner has Japan winning here.

Quarterfinals:

Dominican Republic over South Korea

United States over Canada

Puerto Rico over Italy

Japan over Venezuela