Wentzville-Native Set to Pitch in World Baseball Classic

Ross Detwiler, a Wentzville-native and graduate of Wentzville Holt High School, is set to pitch Saturday in the World Baseball Classic for Team USA. 

• What: Team USA vs. Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic
• Where: Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ
• When: 8 p.m. on the MLB Network
• Why: Wentzville's own Ross Detwiler is set to pitch in relief during the game

Detwiler, the left-handed starting pitcher who figures to play a key role in the Washington Nationals' success this season, was named to the United States' roster for the once-every-four-year tournament on Feb. 19. On Saturday, he's set to appear in relief of Team USA starter Ryan Vogelsong. 

Detwiler, according to the Washington Post, will be limited to 65 pitches per appearance in the WBC, “which is nothing for him,” Nationals Manager Davey Johnson said. Detwiler arrived in Viera for spring training in late January, but he reiterated that he won’t take any chances while pitching in a competitive setting this early in the year, the blog post said.

“There’s only one goal in mind,” Detwiler told the Washington Post. “Obviously, you don’t want any injuries or anything. The overall goal is to win the World Series. Gold (in the WBC) would be nice. But we have a lot of work to do here.”