Report: Lugo to start for Puerto Rico in WBC final
After defeating the Netherlands on Monday to advance to its second consecutive World Baseball Classic final, Puerto Rico will wait for the winner of USA-Japan on Tuesday night, but that reportedly hasn't prevented the country from naming a starter for Wednesday's title game.
Puerto Rico will send New York Mets right-hander Seth Lugo to the hill with the championship on the line, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
The 27-year-old has already made two starts at the WBC, pitching solidly across 11 innings with a 2-0 record, a 2.45 ERA, and a 0.64 WHIP.
Before joining Puerto Rico for the tournament, Lugo was enjoying a strong spring training with the Mets, where he was also 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA during three appearances - two starts - while striking out seven in seven innings.
If the U.S. advances to the final, Lugo would reportedly pitch opposite Marcus Stroman, while Japan hasn't named a potential starter.