Toronto, Ontario (My Sportsbook) - The United States hopes to advance to the second round o the World Baseball Classic when it meets Venezuela in a Pool C matchup at Rogers Centre.

The U.S., which finished eighth in the inaugural WBC three years ago, started its tournament in winning fashion on Saturday, as Adam Dunn's two-run homer in the sixth proved to be the difference in a narrow 6-5 victory over Canada.

Kevin Youkilis scored three times and hit a solo shot, Brian McCann added a two-run blast and another RBI, and Derek Jeter and Shane Victorino each had two of the Americans' nine hits in the victory.

Jake Peavy struggled in his start, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks in three innings of work for the United States. LaTroy Hawkins picked up the win with his one scoreless inning on the mound, and J.J. Putz was awarded the save despite allowing a run in the ninth.

Roy Oswalt is expected to get the ball for Davey Johnson's crew tonight.

Venezuela was impressive in its WBC opener on Saturday, as it got a stellar effort from its pitching staff in a dominating 7-0 victory against Italy.

Carlos Silva tossed four innings of six-hit ball to start, striking out two and walking one. Felix Hernandez took over and hurled the next four innings, surrendering just one hit and walking two while fanning four in earning the win. The Seattle Mariners duo then gave way to Orber Moreno in the ninth.

Melvin Mora clubbed a solo home run amid a 2-for-4, three-RBI performance and Bobby Abreu collected a pair of hits in three at-bats, including a two-run single in the fifth inning.

Armando Galarraga is slated to tow the rubber for the Venezuelans.

While the winning team will advance to the next round, tonight's loser will play the winner of the matchup between Canada and Italy in an elimination game on Tuesday.