Marcus Stroman to start for Puerto Rico in quarter-final of WBC vs. Mexico

Puerto Rico starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) aims a pitch during the second inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Nicaragua. (Marta Lavandier/AP)

Puerto Rico will look to build off their momentum from their win over the Dominican Republic when they take on Mexico in the quarter-finals of the World Baseball Classic.

Former Toronto Blue Jays and current Chicago Cub starter Marcus Stroman will get the ball going up against Julio Urias for Mexico.

This will be Stroman’s second start of the tournament after giving up one earned run on two hits while recording two strikeouts in 4.2 innings against Nicaragua.

After representing the United States in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, Stroman decided to represent Puerto Rico as a tribute to his mother.

“My mother is my heart. She’s my rock. She’s my best friend. She’s my blood. So any time I can represent that woman — I love her more than anything — anything for mom,” Stroman told MLB.com

“I feel like I resonate with those guys, how I dress, my culture. I’m excited to be on the field with them,” he added.

Watch Puerto Rico take on Mexico on Friday March 16 at 7:00 p.m. on Sportsnet.

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