U.S. ready for WBC quarterfinal against Venezuela

Chicago White Sox right-hander Lance Lynn will get the ball for the United States in an elimination game Saturday night. The U.S. will take on Venezuela in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal at 7 p.m. in Miami. The game will be televised on Fox. Lynn was efficient and effective in his first appearance of the WBC against Canada on March 13. He went five innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out six on 65 pitches. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Lynn represented the U.S. while a college player at the University of Mississippi, but he has appreciated the opportunity more the second time around. "It means a lot," Lynn said before the tournament. "I did it in college... Having that opportunity again and really understanding what it means this time, being a little older, it's gonna be fun." The United States ensured its spot in the knockout rounds with a 3-2 win over Colombia on Wednesday night. Mike Trout drove in all three runs, singling home Mookie Betts in the third and then singling in Will Smith and Betts in the fifth. Six U.S. relievers pitched scoreless innings, combining for nine strikeouts out of the bullpen while allowing just two hits. Venezuela was the surprise winner of its pool, defeating both the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico to clinch its advancement with a game to spare. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Jose Altuve are among the top hitters for Venezuela. Eugenio Suarez led Venezuela with a .600 average during pool play. Kansas City Royals stalwart Salvador Perez is the Venezuela catcher, and he was 5-for-10 with a home run and five RBI in pool action. Anthony Santander has hit two home runs thus far for Venezuela. Venezuela has yet to announce a starting pitcher for the quarterfinal, although Martin Perez appears to be the logical candidate. The southpaw started the group opener against the Dominican Republic and allowed one run in 3.1 innings with four strikeouts. The winner of the U.S.-Venezuela game will take on Cuba on Sunday night in Miami at 7 p.m. Cuba advanced to the semifinal with a 4-3 win over Australia in the quarterfinal round.