Sal Frelick Keeps Hitting at the 2023 WBC
Sal Frelick is getting invaluable playing time in the 2023 WBC having started in LF and CF while also hitting leadoff in Italy’s four games in the group stage. Italy’s 7-1 victory over Netherlands Sunday morning (CST) sent Team Cuba and Team Italy to the quarterfinals after all five teams in Group A finished 2-2 and those two teams advanced through the tie breaking formula. Frelick has been a hitting machine having recorded at least one base hit in each game, slashing a remarkable .389/.421/.556, and having zero strikeouts. Let’s briefly break down each game so far:
Game 1: Italy def. Cuba 6-3 F/10
Frelick had a 1-5 day at the plate, and scored twice. He recorded his first base hit in the 6th inning with a single into center field. As the ghost runner in the 10th, he stole third base on a heads-up play, scoring the go-ahead run a few pitches later.
(Sal Frelick highlight video from 3-9-2023 Team Italy vs. Team Cuba in the 2023 WBC; courtesy MLB.com)
Game 2: Chinese Taipei def. Italy 11-7
In one of the most thrilling games so far of the 2023 WBC, Italy and Chinese Taipei went back and forth before Chinese Taipei exploded late to score six unanswered runs across the 6th, 7th, and 8th inning. Frelick went 1-4 and logging a huge two RBI double in the 4th inning that gave Italy a 6-5 lead. He also walked in the 8th inning.
(Sal Frelick highlight video from 3-10-2023 Team Italy vs. Team Chinese Taipei in the 2023 WBC; courtesy MLB.com)
Game 3: Panama def. Italy 2-0
The Italians were shut out in a gritty defensive game, recording just five hits as a team. Frelick logged two of them himself with a rocket of a leadoff single into center and an equally hard hit double in the 8th. Unfortunately the Italians could not capitalize with their limited production.
Game 4: Italy def. Netherlands 7-1
Frelick came unleashed in the final group play game for Team Italy in which they needed a win and some help to advance. They got both and Frelick was instrumental in the Italian’s push for the quarterfinals. He went 3-5 in the game with two RBIs and two runs scored. This continued his offensive success in the leadoff spot for Team Italy.
Bravo, Signore Sal Frelick!
🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹
The @Brewers’ No. 2 prospect (MLB No. 30) put together a 3-hit game to help send Italy to the #WorldBaseballClassic quarterfinals in Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/PTU0AWtfxO
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 12, 2023
Frelick Gaining Recognition as Team Italy Advances
As Team Italy is now advancing to Tokyo for the quarterfinals, many have been celebrating Frelick’s success. This includes both the Brewers organization and the attendees in Taiwan:
Representing Team Italy and going to the quarterfinals 🇮🇹#ThisIsMyCrew | @SalFrelick pic.twitter.com/TUq19UzTJU
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) March 12, 2023
We’re here for this 🤌
#ThisIsMyCrew | @SalFrelick pic.twitter.com/rxOG6qLYKk
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) March 12, 2023
Team Italy will play the undefeated juggernaut Team Japan in the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 16th at 5AM CST.
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