Cal Quantrill Facebook photo
For the first time in history, Canada is moving on to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals after defeating Cuba 7-2 on Wednesday in do-or-die game – and Port Hope native Cal Quantrill is being hailed as the star of the game.
After starting and allowing just two hits and one unearned run and striking out five in five innings to earn the win, the Canadian Baseball Network says Quantrill became the second Canadian pitcher ever to throw five innings in a WBC game.
Noah Skirrow previously claimed this title at the 2023 WBC.
Dad and former pro pitcher Paul Quantrill was also looking in on his son Wednesday as Canada’s pitching coach.
Canada’s win in Puerto Rico also means the team has claimed the top spot in Pool A and take on face the U.S. Friday (March 13) in Houston at Daikin Park at 8 p.m. Canada last beat the U.S. in the WBC about 20 years ago.
Quebec native Abraham Toro also had three hits Wednesday at Hiram Bithorn Stadium to secure Canada’s win.
Quantrill is currently signed to a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers.
