Venezuela finished second in Pool D after a close loss to the Dominican Republic.
Japan went 4-0 in Pool C, continuing their strong performance in the tournament.
Key players for Venezuela include Luis Arraez and Ronald Acuña Jr., while Japan boasts Shohei Ohtani and Masataka Yoshida.
Starting pitchers are Ranger Suarez (Venezuela) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Japan).
This marks the first-ever matchup between Venezuela and Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
Why this matters: This game determines which team advances to the semifinals to face the winner of the Puerto Rico vs. Italy game. It also showcases top baseball talent from around the world.
Venezuela's path to the quarterfinal saw them secure a 3-1 record in pool play, their only defeat at the hands of the Dominican Republic. Luis Arraez has been a standout performer. However, key hitters like Willson Contreras need to find their power stroke for Venezuela to advance.
Japan, a three-time World Baseball Classic champion, enters the quarterfinal as a favorite, having not lost in the tournament since 2017. Shohei Ohtani's performance has been stellar, supported by Masataka Yoshida. Japan's pitching and hitting have been among the best in the tournament.
The game will be broadcast on FOX in the United States and streaming on Netflix in Japan. Sirius XM and MLB.com will provide audio streams.
Q: When and where is the game?
Saturday, 9 p.m. ET at loanDepot park in Miami.
Q: How can I watch the game?
On FOX in the United States and streaming on Netflix in Japan.
Q: Who are the starting pitchers?
Ranger Suarez (Venezuela) vs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Japan).
Q: What is at stake?
A spot in the semifinals against the winner of Puerto Rico vs. Italy.
This quarterfinal matchup is a clash between two baseball powerhouses. For Venezuela, a strong offensive performance from their key players is crucial. Japan needs to maintain its dominant form and rely on its star pitchers to secure a victory. The game promises high stakes and intense competition as both teams vie for a spot in the semifinals.
Who do you think will win this game? Share your predictions in the comments below!
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