The United States entry into the 2009 World Baseball Classic suffered two huge losses Saturday night, a game and sparkplug. First, the club lost American League MVP Dustin Pedroia(Boston Red Sox 2b) for the remainder of the tournament to an oblique injury. Things got much worse on the field as the club was destroyed in 7 innings by a strong Puerto Rican club, 11-1 in 7 innings, international rules end games with 10 run deficits after 5 innings. Atlanta Braves starter Javier Vasquez pitched great for the victory, allowing only 4 hits and a run over 5 frames. NY Mets superstar CF Carlos Beltran led the 13 hit attack with a home run, walk, 2 rbi and 3 runs. RF Adam Dunn and C Brian McCann has 2 hits a piece to led the USA offense.
As bad as yesterday was for the USA, they still can advance to the championship round. The first step would be a victory over the Netherlands Sunday night(7:30 pm on ESPN2). Another defeat in this round would result in the red, white and blue being eliminated. A victory Sunday would keep the USA alive and they would then play the loser of Monday’s Puerto Rico- Venezuela (Both defeated the Americans in the past 2 contests) game Tuesday. Some good news lineup wise, Atlanta Braves star and Team USA DH Chipper Jones returned from injury Saturday. Baltimore Orioles 2b Brian Roberts has also joined Team USA to replace Pedroia, giving manager Davey Johnson some flexibility with super sub Mark Derosa’s ability to play anywhere in the infield and outfield. Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt will take the mound for the Americans.
Game 4 Lineup-Team USA
1-CF Shane Victorino-Philadelphia Phillies
2-SS Derek Jeter-NY Yankees
Jimmy Rollins inserted, did not bat, Philadelphia Phillies
3-DH Chipper Jones-Atlanta Braves
4-1b Kevin Youkilis-Boston Red Sox
5-3b David Wright-NY Mets
6-RF Adam Dunn-Washington Nationals
7-LF Ryan Braun-Milwaukee Brewers
8-C Brian McCann-Atlanta Braves
9- 2b Mark DeRosa-Cleveland Indians
