Team USA has been largely carried by their offense throughout the World Baseball Classic.
However, their pitching has been somewhat overlooked.
They may not have a definitive ace, but two key pitchers from the St. Louis Cardinals helped guide them to the WBC final in Sunday night’s 14-2 win over Team Cuba.
Two-time World Series champion Adam Wainwright got the start for the Americans.
After working around trouble in the first inning, he managed to get through four innings and allow just one run, earning the win.
After the veteran right-hander’s exit, Miles Mikolas entered and gave the Americans four innings of one-run ball.
Mikolas and Wainwright combined for
8 IP
2 runs
Goldy and Arenado combined for
4 hits
5 RBI
Significant part of why team USA is going to win tonight #STLCards—Rinedog (@Rinedog1) March 20, 2023
While Team USA does not have a definitive ace such as Jacob deGrom, Corbin Burnes, or Max Scherzer, their pitching cannot and should not be overlooked.
Both Wainwright and Mikolas have experience pitching in big games and coming through in the clutch.
Wainwright is no stranger to that of course, having closed out the NLCS and World Series in 2006 and also making some solid postseason starts.
Mikolas was St. Louis’ best pitcher last season and pitched a gem the night they won the NL Central.
Aaron Loup ultimately finished off Team Cuba, but the strong performances of Wainwright and Mikolas helped make the runs scored by the Americans stand up.
On the offensive side, Trea Turner hit two home runs and continued his hot streak, while Paul Goldschmidt hit one of his own.
Now, Team USA is just one win away from repeating as WBC champions.
The big game will take place on Tuesday as Team USA waits for either Mexico or Japan.
NEXT:
Adam Wainwright Shares A Wholesome Response About The WBC
