Team USA Starts World Baseball Classic With A Bang
The World Baseball Classic was a bit of a downer for Team USA three years ago, and the team has talked about it ever since. They were embarrassed by being ousted early from a tournament they were largely expected to win. This year they say it will be different, and if Saturday’s 6-5 thriller win over Team Canada is any indication, they mean it. Team USA got one inch of flesh from a team that beat them three years ago, and they hope to get some more.
This year’s World Baseball Classic seems to have a completely different atmosphere among Team USA. The team has a serious attitude for one, and they are no longer looking at it like an unimportant warm up to the season. The players are pumped and it showed in this opening round game that came down to the wire.
Team USA used some serious power, and a great bullpen performance to hold off Canada for the win. Brian McCann, Adam Dunn, and Kevin Youkilis each homered for the Americans, and each was special in some way.
Things did not start out as great as Team USA might have liked, however. They trailed after Team USA starter Jake Peavy allowed a huge, towering home run to Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto to put the Canadians ahead 2-1. At this point, the Americans probably felt like they might be in for another run for their money. Still, Team USA used the bullpen to help control a better than expected Canadian lineup the rest of the way. They gave up only five hits over the final five innings.
The ninth inning was really exciting as the Americans closer JJ Putz first gave up an RBI double to Votto. This closed the Canadians to 6-5 and raised the excitement level there in Toronto to a fever pitch. With Votto primed to score the tying run, Putz then settled in and retired Justin Morneau and Jason Bay in succession for the win. That was no small feat as both of these players are all stars and tough outs for sure.
Team USA is sure to be looking to win some games in an easier fashion, but they will certainly take them any way they can get them. The World Baseball Classic is a seriously competitive tournament that pits the best in the world against one another. The Americans have a personal stake in the tournament, however, since baseball is considered a National Past time. Hopefully, Team USA can bring home the title this year.
Next up for Team USA is Sunday at 8 pm ET against the winner between Italy and Venezuela. Team Canada plays the loser of that game on Monday.
