Puerto Rico loses unbeaten streak against Canada.

Starter José de León

By THE STAR STAFF

Team Puerto Rico lost 3–2 to Canada on Tuesday in the final game of the Group A first round of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, played at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.

Puerto Rico now awaits the result of Wednesday’s game between Canada and Cuba to determine its final position heading into the second round, which is scheduled to begin Friday in Houston, Texas.

Puerto Rico struck first in the opening inning with an RBI single by Nolan Arenado. However, two bases-loaded walks issued by reliever Rico García in the third inning proved decisive for Canada, giving them the two runs that ultimately made the difference.

García entered the game in relief of starter José de León, who left the bases loaded with two outs in the third inning. The loss was charged to De León, as he was responsible for the two runners who eventually scored the winning runs for Canada.

In the fourth inning, Abraham Toro drove in Canada’s third run with a single. Puerto Rico answered in the bottom half of the inning when Martín “Machete” Maldonado, pinch-hitting, hit a grounder that allowed Arenado to score from third base.

The game marked Maldonado’s final appearance as an active player in Puerto Rico.

Three of Puerto Rico’s five hits came from Arenado, who delivered a strong offensive performance after being held hitless in his first three games of the tournament.

Right-hander Jordan Balazovic earned the win for Canada, while Brock Dykxhoorn recorded the save.

The Puerto Rico team will travel Wednesday night to Houston, Texas, where they will compete in the second round of the World Baseball Classic.