Marlins Park to host US in World Baseball Classic opener vs. Colombia
NEW YORK (AP) -- The United States will open its World Baseball Classic schedule against Colombia on March 10, play the defending champion Dominican Republic the following day and close Group C of the first round against Canada on March 12.
Major League Baseball and the players' association announced the schedule Tuesday. The Americans' first-round games will be in Miami.
Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles had been announced in August as site of the March 22 final of the 16-nation tournament.
Israel, the Netherlands, South Korea and Taiwan will play Group A games in Seoul from March 6-10, and Australia, China, Cuba and Japan will play Group B in Tokyo from March 7-11.
Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela will play Group D in Guadalajara from March 9-12. The top two nations in each group advance to the second round, to be played in Tokyo from March 12-15 and San Diego from March 14-19. Dodger Stadium will host semifinals on March 20 and 21.
