How did Mars grad David Bednar pitch in World Baseball Classic for Team USA?
Venezuela stunned the United States in Tuesday’s World Baseball Classic championship game, winning 3-2 despite a dramatic game-tying home run from Team USA’s Bryce Harper in the eighth inning.
Butler County had one big name on a star-studded U.S. roster that helped the host nation make it to the final for the third time in WBC history.
Mars grad David Bednar, who now pitches for the New York Yankees after being traded there from the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, made four appearances in relief for the U.S., providing key innings.
How did one of the best relievers in MLB do? Here are Bednar’s stats:
Bednar pitched four innings in four appearances for Team USA. While he didn’t record a save, he was one of four relievers on the team to not allow a run in multiple appearances.
He struck out eight (tied for fourth most on the team) and allowed six hits and one hit batter.
No. Bednar was not on the mound in that game, even as the U.S. used five relievers. He was considered unavailable heading into the game after pitching both of the knockout-round games before that.
He was key in getting the team into the final. Bednar pitched a scoreless inning in the 2-1 semifinal win over the Dominican Republic, fanning two for his second hold of the tournament.
He also had a hold and two more Ks in the quarterfinal win over Canada.
He returns to the Yankees’ spring training facility in Tampa, Fla.
Bednar is expected to return to closer duties. In 22 appearances in pinstripes after last year’s trade, Bednar went 4-0 with a 2.19 ERA and 10 saves in 13 chances in the regular season. He should get another crack at the postseason with a NYY team expected to make another run for the World Series after he debuted last year with five appearances and two saves in the 2025 playoffs.
Bednar and the Yankees open the season March 25 against the San Francisco Giants, the organization his younger brother, Will, pitches for in the minor leagues.
