Six former Cedar Rapids Kernels are participating in the World Baseball Classic this year.

Erick Aybar (2003), Michael Collins (2004-05), Ever Magallanes (2007), Efren Navarro (2008), Nick Pugliese (2009) and Hainley Statia (2006) are representing their countries.

Pugliese is playing for Italy and struck out one batter in 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win as Italy defeated Mexico, 6-5, in the opening game of Pool D. Italy has advanced to the second round after defeating Canada.

Navarro and Magallanes represented Mexico in the event. Mexico has been eliminated from the competition after losses to Italy and Canada, despite topping the United States.

Aybar is with the Dominican Republic, which has earned a spot in the second round.

Collins is making his third appearance in the World Baseball Classic. He coached Australia this year after playing for the team in 2006 and 2009.

Statia is representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the third time. Statia is among a select group to be selected to play in all three WBC competitions (2006, 2009, and 2013).

There have been 15 Cedar Rapids professional baseball alumni who have made a combined 23 appearances on World Baseball Classic rosters.