Phoenix. Randy Arozarena hit two doubles and added five RBIs to be a formidable presence on offense Mexico on their way to a comfortable 10-3 win over Canadawith which they sealed their ticket to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic.

Arozarena, born in Cuba but naturalized Mexican, was an unstoppable dynamo at Chase Field in Phoenix on Wednesday. In addition to the doubles, he was twice bypassed and hit. He cleared the bases in the sixth for his second double of the day.

“Very grateful because they gave me the opportunity to help this teamArozarena said. “I’m very happy with my work and the work of my teammates, we’re doing well and we’re ready for the next round.”

Mexico opened the tournament with a surprise loss to Colombia, but responded with three straight wins to beat the United States, Great Britain and Canada to advance to the top of Group C.

In search of unprecedented semi-finals, Mexico travels to Miami to face the winner of the Dominican vs. Puerto Rico match on Saturday. Previously, the Mexicans were dismissed twice in the first round, and the other two lost in the second.

With his five RBI, Arozarena — the 2021 American League Rookie of the Year with the Tampa Bay Rays — reached nine in the tournament and broke the record set by Jorge Cantu in 2009 for the most RBI by a Mexican. player in the World Classic edition.

“Very happy for the RBI record, but I don’t play to break records. I’m doing it to help the team,” Arozarena said.

Rowdy Tellezof the Milwaukee Brewers, had a two-run single in the first inning and added a solo home run in the eighth inning to also be a figure in the Mexican offense. Joey Meneseswith the Washington Nationals, went 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored.

Eduard Julien and BeauNaylor they hit solo home runs in the Canadiens’ loss.

Jose Urquidi he gave up two runs in four innings with five strikeouts to earn the win. The failure was a record Rob Stuck after giving up three runs in two innings.

Mexico manager Benjamin Gil has confirmed that Los Angeles Dodgers star left-hander Julio Urias will be his starter in the quarterfinals, but before they evaluate possible restrictions with his team.

“I don’t want to give false information. We still have to talk to the Dodgers to be fine-tuned and see how many pitches are right for them, but Julio Urias will be the starter,” Gil said. “We’re going to try to win, but we’re not going to hurt one of our baseball’s biggest stars.“.