The 2023 World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game between Team USA and Venezuela was an instant classic. Runs were scored in five out of the nine innings and the lead was exchanged on three different occasions. Team USA pulled through in the end by a score of 9-7 that was capped off by a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning.
Trailing 5-7 in the eighth inning, Team USA managed to put Venezuela in a tough situation as they loaded the bases with nobody out. Venezuela then brought in reliever Silvino Bracho who after getting ahead in the count 0-2 on Trea Turner left a hanger for him that he demolished over the left field wall for a go-ahead grand slam.
Trea Turner hits go ahead grand slam for Team USA in which they then punched their ticket to the semifinals in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
TREA TURNER GRAND SLAM!!!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!
📺: WBC on FOX pic.twitter.com/G4l6nwsH9Y
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 19, 2023
After Turners clutch grand slam, Milwaukee Brewers reliever Devin Williams was sharp in the bottom of the inning in which he struck out two batters. Ryan Pressly then closed the door on Venezuela in the ninth inning to secure the victory.
Devin Williams was again sharp during his high leverage situation for Team USA.
1 IP, 2 strikeouts.— Tyler Koerth (@TylerKoerth) March 19, 2023
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸@USABaseball comes back to secure the win over Venezuela!! pic.twitter.com/duy8AxhTxJ
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 19, 2023
Team USA, the reigning 2017 World Baseball Classic champions, will now face Cuba in the semifinals. This game will be played Sunday March 19 with the winner advancing to the championship game.
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