SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — Puerto Rico, the only team to make the quarterfinals in all six editions of the World Baseball Classic, got the job done and represented their homeland with pride in Pool A play in the 2026 WBC.
While missing their three big stars with no Francisco Lindor, Javier Báez and Carlos Correa, among several other marquee names on their roster, Team Rubio finished off 3-1 to advance to the WBC quarterfinal round.
Led by strong pitching and timely hitting, Puerto Rico, a runner-up in Pool A due to their loss to Canada on Wednesday, gave up just seven runs across the four games, topping out as the best pitching staff of Pool A by far.
A great sign on the offensive side of action came from Arizona Diamondbacks Nolan Arenado, recording three hits and an RBI, while still playing elite defense at the hot corner.
The 34-year-old veteran, forced to deal with a “house divided” with his mom being Puerto Rican and his father Cuban, winning the 2017 WBC Championship with Team USA, was very appreciative of the love that Puerto Ricans showed him at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
He said on many occasions throughout the week that he felt fully embraced by the island.
His teammate for Puerto Rico, San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos, arguably the best current MLB hitter in their lineup, was well-familiar with the ballpark, stating, “Honestly, I played here a lot and I have great memories playing here.”
Ramos mentioned that he gets goosebumps thinking of his WBC experience and playing in his homeland.
The 26-year-old, born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, was named a National League All-Star with Giants in 2024.
Another spark next to Ramos in the outfield is M.J. Melendez, who signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets and is seeking to break camp with the team.
“It’s been amazing and a blessing to be here in front of all of Puerto Rico representing our island for our fans” -M.J. Melendez
Melendez, who visited Puerto Rico many times as a kid—later revealing that he hit his first-ever home run in batting practice with his dad on the island—could be an X-Factor against Italy in the WBC quarterfinals this coming Saturday, which will take place in Houston, Texas at Daikin Park.
On the other side, Puerto Rico’s pitching is what gives them a shot to beat Italy in the single elimination game. It will be a tall task with the Italians swinging extremely hot bats, with 17 runs scored against Team USA and Mexico combined.
Puerto Rico’s anchor Seth Lugo, a multiple-time LatinoMVP Award winner, is expected to take the ball against Italy, looking to build on his four shutout innings against Colombia in Pool A last Thursday.
The buzz that the Boricuas created in Puerto Rico will never be forgotten as they had the crowd filled wall-to-wall and bleacher-to-bleacher in all four of their games. The spirit they display on the island just shows what Latino excellence is all about and the same goes on the diamond with each player and coach wearing “Puerto Rico” across their chest.
A lot of players and coaches had tons of family on hand who all enjoyed watching the action in a very special environment.
Will the good times roll into Houston or will that be the end of the road for Puerto Rico?
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Julio Pabon
March 13, 2026 at 12:11 am
Good article, great interviews.