WBC Special!: Team USA Survives Canada, Dominican Republic Shows No Mercy, Semifinals Set | 152

Welcome to Episode 152 of Tablesetters, where we cover everything happening across the world of baseball.

Tonight’s WBC special covers the quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Team USA escaped Canada 5-3 in Houston on the strength of a throwing error, a bullpen that bent but didn’t break, and Mason Miller slamming the door in the ninth. The Dominican Republic needed just seven innings to mercy-rule Korea 10-0 in Miami. Team USA now faces the Dominican Republic in the semifinals. Saturday brings Japan vs. Venezuela and Italy vs. Puerto Rico to complete the bracket. Every game from here is win or go home, and after Friday night it’s clear not every team got here the same way.

The quarterfinals began Friday with two games that told you everything you need to know about where this tournament stands — and who is actually running it.

📱 Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for live reactions, analysis, and continuing coverage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​