World Baseball Classic - 3/12

Venezuela puts the brakes to US' run

Team USA won't forget the name Blanco soon. Gregor and Henry Blanco combined for six hits, two RBI, and two runs scored, and Ivan Blanco blanked the US for 1.1 innings, in Venezuela's 5-3 win.

Ted Lilly allowed a run over an effective three innings before manager Davey Johnson turned to the pen. Indians pitcher Jeremy Guthrie was tagged for four runs over the middle innings as the US fell behind 5-1.

Chris Iannetta's 2-run home run in the eighth inning cut the lead in half, but some over aggressive play cost the US team in the ninth. With closer Francisco Rodriguez on the mound, Jimmy Rollins drew a lead off walk and quickly stole second base. Dustin Pedroia flied out, but Derek Jeter reached on an error to put two aboard. That's when the US tried to pull of a double steal.

Rollins made it safely to third base, but Henry Blanco fired down to second base to nail Jeter for the second out. K-Rod then struck out Kevin Youkilis to end the ball game.

Box Score


The US will now face Puerto Rico, which defeated the Netherlands 5-0 yesterday, on Saturday. Giants starter Jonathan Sanchez went four innings for Puerto Rico before seven relievers came on to finish the shut out.

The Puerto Rican team had 10 different players with a hit and also drew 9 walks, 3 of them by Carlos Delgado.


Mexico sent Australia home with an embarrassing 16-1 defeat, in a game called after 6 innings. Former Yankee Karim Garcia went 4-4 with 4 RBI and 4 runs scored, and hit a pair of home runs.

Box Score