Phillies stars dominating in World Baseball Classic as season nears

Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber picked up where he left off in the World Series.

Team USA featured the most Phillies out of all teams in the World Baseball Classic. Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto are all participating for Team USA.

In Team USA's first game of pool play against Great Britain, all three started. The trio each recorded hits, but Kyle Schwarber stole the show. In the bottom of the fourth, he came to the plate with Team USA leading 2-1 and Mike Trout and Paul Goldschmidt on base. Schwarber did what he does best — hitting a "Schwarbomb." Schwarber ripped a no-doubt home run into right field, giving Team USA a four-run lead. In the contest, he also added two walks.

The following night against Mexico, USA manager Mark DeRosa sat all three Phillies players. As a result, Team USA was crushed by Mexico, 11-5. Mets first baseman Pete Alonso took Kyle Schwarber's designated hitter position and struck out twice and left three on base.

The decision was because DeRosa did not trust Schwarber against Mexico's left-handed starter Patrick Sandoval. Surely, Schwarber hasn't proven he can hit home runs off left-handed pitchers on a big stage, right?

In Team USA's third game, Realmuto and Turner were back in the lineup, while Schwarber was once again benched due to a lefty starter. Against Canada, Turner and Realmuto each had two RBI. Realmuto was 2-for-2 on the day. Turner scored twice and hit a solo home run. Team USA would mercy rule Canada, 12-1.

After a day off, Team USA faced Colombia. They needed a win or a small-margin loss to advance past the pool stage. Turner and Schwarber were in the lineup, while Realmuto was left out in favor of Will Smith. Team USA's offense struggled, but they pulled out a 3-2 win. Turner had one of the team's seven hits. Trout carried the country on his back. The captain had three hits and all three RBI for the team.

Team USA will face Venezuela in the quarterfinals on Saturday.