Pittsburgh Pirates' Andrew McCutchen Reflects on Time in WBC

Title: Pittsburgh Pirates' Andrew McCutchen Reflects on Time in WBC Andrew McCutchen, outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, represented the USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic (WBC), contributing to the team's historic victory. Team USA won the championship game against Puerto Rico with a score of 8-0, marking the first WBC win for the country. McCutchen shared his reflections on the WBC during an appearance on Mookie Betts' podcast, highlighting the honor of representing one's country. Initially, McCutchen expected the WBC to feel relaxed, akin to early Spring Training. A pivotal moment for McCutchen was witnessing Nolan Arenado's intense play during a game against Colombia, which changed his perception of the tournament's seriousness. Team USA had a record of 2-1 in group play and faced a challenging path through the knockout rounds. The team overcame a loss to Puerto Rico by defeating the Dominican Republic and Japan to reach the final. McCutchen's performance in the WBC included a batting average of .238 with 5 RBIs. The WBC showcased the competitive spirit among players, elevating the intensity of the games. The article emphasizes the significance of the WBC experience for athletes, particularly in terms of national pride and competition.

Original Article: https://www.si.com/mlb/pirates/news/pittsburgh-pirates-andrew-mccutchen-reflects-time-world-baseball-classic

Original Article Author: Nathaniel Marrero