Mexico punches ticket to WBC quarters with win over Canada

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 15: Randy Arozarena #56 of Team Mexico reacts to hitting a RBI double in the second inning during Game 9 of Pool C between Team Mexico and Team Canada at Chase Field on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty

Randy Arozarena went 2-for-2 with five RBIs to lead Mexico to a 10-3 victory over Canada at the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday.

With the win, Mexico secures its place in the quarterfinals by finishing atop its group at the tournament for the first time since 2006. As Pool C winners, Mexico will face Puerto Rico, the runner-up in Pool D, in the quarterfinals on Friday in Miami.

Canada was officially eliminated later Wednesday when the United States beat Colombia 3-2 in the Pool C finale. Ernie Whitt's squad finished its tournament in third place with a 2-2 record.

Mexico starting pitcher Jose Urquidy was strong over his four innings of work, allowing six hits, two runs, and one walk while striking out five. The Mexican bullpen combined to allow just one run on one hit with six strikeouts over the remaining five innings.

Edouard Julien was the star for Canada with a pair of hits, including his second home run of the tournament.

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