David Bednar Helps United States Advance in WBC

Pirates closer David Bednar and the United States team are moving on in the World Baseball Classic.

Team USA edged Colombia 3-2 on Wednesday night in pool play at Chase Field in Phoenix. The Americans advanced to the quarterfinals as the WBC shifts to knockout games.

Bedner pitched one perfect inning of relief, striking out one. He needed just eight pitches, six of which were strikes.

The United States faces Venezuela on Saturday at loanDepot Park in Miami.

Pirates reliever Duane Underwood also pitched a 1-2-3 inning out of the bullpen to help Puerto Rico defeat the Dominican Republic 5-1 in pool play in Miami and advance. Underwood had one strikeout and threw eight of his 13 pitches for strikes.

The Puerto Ricans stay in Miami and play Mexico on Friday.

Pirates pitchers Roansy Contreras and Luis Ortiz did not appear in the game for the Dominicans, who were eliminated after entering the event as the favorites.

Pirates left-hander Rob Zastryzny was the starter and loser as Canada fell 10-3 to Mexico in Phoenix and was eliminated from the tournament. He gave up two runs on three hits in two innings with two walks and two strikeouts while throwing 50 pitches (28 strikes).