Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara could pitch again in the World Baseball Classic as Team D.R. advances with a 7-5 win over Venezuela.
Three years ago in the World Baseball Classic, the Dominican Republic did not advance beyond pool play. That left a sour taste in the mouths of many Dominican players. But on Wednesday, Team D.R. advanced to the quarterfinals with a 7-5 victory over Venezuela.
The D.R., who finished 4-0 in pool play, will face Korea on Friday night at loanDepot Park in Miami.
The Miami Marlins ace, Sandy Alcantara, got the start in Wednesday's win, but he didn't have his best stuff. It was enough to keep his team in the game and lead them to a two-run victory.
Following the game, the right-hander made it clear he would pitch again if necessary in this World Baseball Classic.
Alcantara's performance against Venezuela was not his best. He threw 44 pitches in three innings, giving up five hits, three earned runs, two walks, and three strikeouts. Alcantara was removed from the game after allowing one run in the first and two in the third innings. He admitted that his performance was not his best.
"My performance today was not my best,'' said Alcantara after the game.
Alcantara was open about his performance. Clearly, he wanted to improve, but after the game, he made it clear that he is not done pitching in the WBC this season. He'll do whatever the Dominican Republic needs him to do, whether that's starting another game or working out of the bullpen.
"I will be ready to start or relieve," Alcantara said. "We are here to represent the Dominican Republic -- I'm here."
It's unsurprising that Alcantara believes this and will do anything to help the Dominican Republic win four more games.
Manager Albert Pujols said he liked what he saw from Alcantara's performance and suggested the World Baseball Classic finals could be the right time for his next appearance if the D.R. continues to advance.
Alcantara is scheduled to start on Opening Day of Major League Baseball in two weeks, when the Marlins host the Colorado Rockies.
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