WBC Final – USA Versus Japan, Lineups, Pitchers, How to Watch, More
This year’s edition of the World Baseball Classic has felt different than any other I’ve experienced. I don’t know if that’s just something I’m perceiving, or if the thing really has ensnared the international consciousness in a way previously WBCs have not. Whatever the case, getting two of the best teams, from two of the biggest baseball nations, facing each other in the championship game is pretty special.
Team USA looks to repeat as champions, while Team Japan looks to unseat them as a point of considerable national pride. And the world watches on. This could wind up the most watched baseball game in history when you consider how many will be tuned in around the globe.
How to Watch
WBC Championship Game – USA versus Japan, loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, at 6:00pm CT. Video on Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes, with other viewing options around the world. I know there was a free 60 minute preview streaming option for Team USA’s semifinal game online, but I’m not sure they’ll repeat that tonight. Radio available for free via TuneIn.
Team USA Lineup:
- Mookie Betts, RF
- Mike Trout, CF
- Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
- Nolan Arenado, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Trea Turner, SS
- J.T. Realmuto, C
- Cedric Mullens, LF
- Tim Anderson, 2B
Team Japan Lineup:
- Lars Nootbaar, CF
- Kensuke Kondoh, RF
- Shohei Ohtani, DH
- Masataka Yoshida, LF
- Munetaka Murakami, 3B
- Kazuma Okamoto, 1B
- Tetsuto Yamada, 2B
- Sosuke Genda, SS
- Yuhei Nakamura, C
Pitching Matchup
USA: Merrill Kelly, RHP
Japan: Shota Imanaga, LHP
Kelly, long a successful pitcher in Korea, has been solid for the Diamondbacks since returning to the States. Brady Singer is expected to follow.
Imanaga, who gets the start instead of Yu Darvish (Shohei Ohtani could still appear in relief), has been outstanding for Japan in the WBC, and has been a stud in the NPB the last few years.
