World Baseball Classic - 3/7

Team USA gained some revenge from 2006 when helped off Team Canada earlier today, 6-5. The US team powered up with home runs by Kevin Youkilis, Brian McCann, and Adam Dunn all went deep and J.J. Putz got out of a jam in the ninth inning to preserve the win.

Former Yankee LaTroy Hawkins picked up the win after starter Jake Peavy allowed two runs in three innings of work. Canada scored a run in the ninth off of Putz and had the tying run on second base. But the new Mets set up man retired Jason Bay on a fly out to right to retire the side. Derek Jeter went 2-3 before giving way to Jimmy Rollins.

Datuske Matsuzaka allowed a couple of runs over four innings in Japan's 14-2 blow out of Korea. Norichika Aoki and Shuichi Murata drove in 3 runs each, and Murata and Kenji Johjima each homered.

The Netherlands pulled off a major upset, upsetting the Dominican Republic 3-2. The Netherlands picked up all 3 unearned runs in the first inning as the Dominican played poorly in the field. An Edinson Volquez wild pitch and a Hanley Ramirez throwing error put the visiting team in the lead for good.

Miguel Tejada homered and Ramirez drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, but the D.R. lost despite their pitchers allowing just 3 hits and striking out 12. Sidney Ponson pitched four innings for the win.Blogger: My Pinstripes - Create Post

Puetro Rico blasted Panama 7-0 as Ivan Rodriguez added to his free agent resume. The 37-yr old catcher, who spent last season with the Tigers and Yankees, is still in search of a team with opening day less than a month away. He may have opened some eyes this evening when he homered twice, doubled, singled, walked, and drove in 4 runs in five plate appearances.

Carlos Delgado also homered and Javier Vazquez tossed 4.1 scoreless innings for the win. Bernie Williams drew a pinch-hit walk in his one plate appearance.


Italy and Venezuela are just underway.