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Ian Kinsler and Team USA Face Puerto Rico in WBC Championship

By Megan Wilson

Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) prepares for an at bat against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) prepares for an at bat against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ian Kinsler and the United States will play Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic championship on Wednesday night.

Team USA has reached the pinnacle of its career. However, they’re biggest challenge lies ahead as they face Team Puerto Rico in the Championship game Wednesday night. Ian Kinsler of the Detroit Tigers will remain in the lineup for the United States. He was the hero Tuesday night as he advanced runner Brandon Crawford to third base. Crawford scored as Adam Jones hit a slow moving ball to the shortstop.

Marcus Stroman of the Toronto Blue Jays is on the mound for Team USA. Stroman is facing fierce criticism from some Puerto Ricans, as his mother is a native Puerto Rican, but he is playing for Team USA.

This is the farthest Team USA has ever been in World Baseball Classic History, the last time they made it to the Finals they were knocked out by Japan. However, one of its biggest tests will be the talented Puerto Rican fielders, whose sure-handed fielding have put on many dazzling displays.

Team Puerto Rico has Seth Lugo of the New York Mets on the mound, who is currently competing for the fifth spot on the team roster. Catcher Yadier Molina is undoubtedly the heart of the team — his putout at home plate the other night preserved the tie for Puerto Rico as Johnathan Schoop of the Netherlands as he attempted to score.

Team Puerto Rico also has Javier Baez of the Chicago Cubs, who is one-half of the Baez-Molina tag team combination, and a force to be reckoned with in the batter’s box.

Here’s how you can watch the game on TV or streaming online:

United States of America vs. Puerto Rico

Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, CA

Date: Wednesday, March 22
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: MLB Network (English), ESPN2 (Spanish)
Live Stream: MLB.TV, Watch ESPN
Starting Pitchers: Marcus Stroman (USA), Seth Lugo (PUR)

Next: Detroit Tigers All-Decade Team of the 1990s

This is the second time that these two teams have met in the 2017 World Baseball Classic; previously Puerto Rico topped Team USA 6-5 in a thriller. Look for a spirited game as these teams are playing for more than just another win, they are playing for Country.

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