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USA and Japan are the new 19:10 co-favorites at Sportsbook.com to win the World Baseball Classic.
Ironically, neither team won their opening round Pool but they are the best bets to advance especially with the Dominican Republic knocked out already.
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Pool 2 - Played in Miami, Florida
Venezuela vs. Netherlands - 1 pm ET Saturday
USA vs. Puerto Rico - 8 pm ET Saturday
Pool 1 - Played in San Diego, California
Japan vs. Cuba - 4 pm ET Sunday
Korea vs. Mexico - 11 pm ET Sunday
United States (19:10)
The U.S. lost in the Finals of Pool C to Venezuela, but don't put too much stock in that as both teams had already qualified for the next round. USA looks much more motivated compared to 2006 and they have all the tools needed to win the whole thing.
Japan (19:10)
The defending champs finished as runner-ups to Korea in Pool A, but they knew they were going to advance. Japan is known for its pitching and defense and that is going to help them in spacious Petco Park in San Diego.
Cuba (7:2)
Cuba finished second in the 2006 WBC behind Japan and they are picking up where they left up by winning Pool B on their way to going 3-0 in the tournament. Will they avenge their loss to Japan and move onto the semifinals?
Venezuela (7:1)
The Venezuela team has a very potent offense and is batting a robust .347 in their four games so far. The question for this squad is the starting pitching and the set-up guys in front of closer Frankie Rodriguez.
Puerto Rico (7:1)
Puerto Rico dominated Pool D going 3-0, but they weren't that tested in avoiding the Dominican Republic and only having to face Panama and the Netherlands. Puerto Rico has pitched very well so far but it's still their question mark going forward.
Korea (8:1)
Korea doesn't have the MLB superstars like Japan's Daisuke Matsuzaka and Ichiro Suzuki but they are still a dangerous squad. Korea lost to Japan 14-2 before beating them 1-0 in the Pool Final and their bats must prove themselves against top competition.
Mexico (20:1)
Mexico finished second in Pool B, but they are happy to advance to this round, needing a victory over Australia to do so. This is another team relying on their bats, but will their questionable pitching hold up?
Netherlands (50:1)
The Netherlands pulled off the shocker of the tournament by beating the tournament favorites, the powerful Dominican Republic, twice. Still, they are the major underdog left in this tournament.
Bet on the World Baseball Classic at Sportsbook.com.
Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
