Here is a quick breakdown on how each player fared, and on which players you can see in the second round this week in Miami.
Richard Castillo (Spain)
Castillo was the only minor league player that went to the World Baseball Classic from the St. Louis organization. When he was on the mound Sunday against Venezuela, it was hard to tell that Castillo was in the minors though.
Castillo worked the first three innings for Spain on Sunday. He gave up four hits, but did not allow anyone to score and struck out two batters. The highlight for Castillo on the mound would have to be those two strikeouts.
Castillo had given back to back hits to Venezuela in the third inning and things were not looking good for him with Miguel Cabrera at the plate. Cabrera, the defending AL Triple Crown winner, AL MVP, AL Silver Slugger Award winner, and AL Hank Aaron Award winner struck out against the minor league pitcher. Then, defending World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval stepped into the box and suffered the same fate as Cabrera, a strike out, which ended the inning.
It was a rough weekend for Spain. They were outmatched in Pool C and posted an 0-3 record over the three day event, but it was a good weekend for Cardinals' pitching prospect Richard Castillo.
Fernando Salas (Mexico)
Salas appeared in each of Mexico's first two games this weekend. He came on in the eighth inning in a one run game against Italy on Thursday and set down the Italians in order to set the game up for Mexican closer Sergio Romo. Unfortunately for Mexico, Romo could not shut the door, and Italy came back with two runs in the ninth to win the game.
Salas also appeared in the eighth inning against the United States on Friday night. In his Friday night appearance, Salas did give up a run, but he was able to help Mexico hold onto its four run lead by getting through the heart of the United States lineup. That heart included MLB superstars Ryan Braun, Joe Mauer, David Wright, and Giancarlo Stanton.
Mexico had a great opportunity to advance into the second round of the tournament, but could not close the deal in the end. Regardless, Salas had a really nice weekend, and will be a major asset to the St. Louis bullpen this season.
Mitchell Boggs (United States)
Boggs only made one appearance this weekend for Team USA. He pitched in the ninth inning against Mexico on Friday night, right after Salas threw the eighth for the Mexican side.
Boggs ran into a little trouble, allowing two base runners (one of which was an intentional unintentional walk to Adrian Gonzalez), but he worked his way through the inning without allowing any damage to the scoreboard.
The United States advanced to Miami for the second round of the World Baseball Classic. They will play in a modified double elimination style tournament in the second round, and Boggs will once again be an essential part to the bullpen.
The United States will play their first game Tuesday night against Puerto Rico and could play up to four games this week, in hopes that they can advance through to the semifinals.
Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina (Puerto Rico)
Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina played an essential role in helping Puerto Rico go 2-1 this weekend and advance into the next round of the World Baseball Classic.
In their opening game against Spain, Beltran went 1-3 at the plate and drove in the decisive run in the first inning of the game on a double. Molina went 1-4 in the game and stranded five runners on base in his at bats.
In their win against Venezuela on Saturday, Beltran went 2-4 with a double and scored a run in the eighth inning. Molina went 1-3 with a walk and also scored on the same hit that scored Beltran in the eighth inning.
In Puerto Rico's only loss in Pool C play, Beltran struggled at the plate going 0-4 and stranding four runners on base. Yadi was given the day off, and was replaced at catcher by his brother, Jose Molina.
If you have been watching the United States play, you will get a chance to see Beltran and Molina on Tuesday night. They open up play in the second round with a game against the American side, and just like the United States, Puerto Rico could play as many as four games this week in the second round.
Click here to check out the full schedule of World Baseball Classic games this week, and make sure to continue to support your Cardinals who remain in the tournament.
Ryan Bothmann is an analyst over at Bleacher Report and a contributor for StlSportsminute.com. You can check out his work here and follow him on Twitter (@triplecfan)
