Puerto Rico Drops Perfect Record at the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Puerto Rico fell 3–2 to Canada on Tuesday night in a game played at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, surrendering its undefeated record in Group A of the VI World Baseball Classic.

The squad managed by Yadier Molina, which had won its first three games to already secure a spot in the quarterfinals, was outplayed by a Canadian side that now holds a 2–1 record and will face Cuba on Wednesday for the second advancement slot.

Puerto Rico drew first blood in the opening inning, capitalizing on two walks issued by starter Jordan Balazovic and a first Classic hit from Nolan Arenado — who went 3-for-the-game — to take an early 1–0 lead.

Canada seized control in the third inning, however, as losing pitcher José De León hit a batter to load the bases, and reliever Rico García compounded the damage by walking in two runs. The lead grew to 3–1 in the fourth inning, when Abraham Toro drove in another run with a single.

Puerto Rico cut the deficit to 3–2 in the bottom of the fourth off reliever Logan Allen, who nonetheless held the line through the sixth inning without allowing further damage.

Brock Dykxhoorn closed out the contest, retiring all three batters he faced in order across the final three innings, silencing the packed pro-Puerto Rico crowd in the stands.

Game Schedule:
March 11

3:00 p.m.: Canada vs. Cuba — FS2, FOX Deportes
7:00 p.m.: Italy vs. Mexico — Tubi
8:00 p.m.: Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela — FS1, FOX Deportes

March 12

No games scheduled

March 13 — Quarterfinals

6:30 p.m.: Quarterfinal 1 — FS2, FOX Deportes
8:00 p.m.: Quarterfinal 2 — FOX, FOX Deportes

March 14 — Quarterfinals

3:00 p.m.: Quarterfinal 3 — FS1, FOX Deportes
9:00 p.m.: Quarterfinal 4 — FOX, FOX Deportes

March 15 — Semifinals

8:00 p.m.: Semifinal 1 — FS1, FOX Deportes

March 16 — Semifinals

8:00 p.m.: Semifinal 2 — FS1, FOX Deportes

March 17 — Championship

8:00 p.m.: Championship Game — FOX, FOX Deportes