Canada advances to World Baseball Classic quarter-finals for first time

Canada advances to World Baseball Classic quarter-finals for first time

Published 3:20 pm Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Team Canada is off to the second round of the World Baseball Classic for the first time.

In a win-or-go home game, Canada beat Cuba 7-2 to finish second in Pool A and advance to the quarter-finals.

Pitcher Cal Quantrill had an outstanding start, throwing five innings, allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out five batters.

Shortstop Otto Lopez and outfielder Owen Caissie, both Miami Marlins, each drove in two runs, while Abraham Toro went 3-for-5 with a solo home run.

Eight of Canada’s nine batters had a base hit.

The pride of Ladner, BC strikes out three to end the seventh! 🇨🇦⚾️#WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/PRJrygRbtB

— Baseball Canada 🇨🇦⚾️ (@baseballcanada) March 11, 2026

In relief, Ladner’s James Paxton threw 2.2 innings, striking out six batters.

Canada will play in the quarter-finals on either Friday or Saturday, March 13 or 14.