NY Mets 3b David Wright’s dramatic 2 run single capped an amazing 3 run 9th inning comeback, leading the United States to an exciting 6-5 victory over Puerto Rico Tuesday night in Miami. The win clinches a semi-final berth for the USA 2009 entry into World Baseball classic, with the defeat, a game Puerto Rican club was eliminated. The USA plays a seeding type game with Venezuela Wednesday night at 7 pm in Florida before departing for Los Angeles for the final four.
The game was a back and forth struggle with 3 home runs(2 by PR with Toronto Blue Jays OF Alex Rios and NY Mets 1b Carlos Delgado, Solo shot by USA 1b Kevin Youkilis) hi-lighting the offense. Wright and Philadelphia Phillies OF Shane Victorino had 3 hits apiece to pace the United States attack. The injured and burnout American pitching staff used 7 hurlers to earn the victory.
The USA 9th started with Victorino and Baltimore Orioles 2b Brian Roberts getting back to back singles. After an out and Roberts stealing second, Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins drew an 8 pitch walk. Youkilis then saw 5 pitches for a walk and 5-4 deficit. Wright then hit a low inside pitch to right, sending the 13,224 into a frenzy and the USA roster into the semis.
Team USA Lineup-
1- 2b Brian Roberts-Baltimore Orioles
2-SS Derek Jeter-NY Yankees
3- DH Jimmy Rollins-Philadephia Phillies
4- 1b Kevin Youkilis-Boston Red Sox
5-3b David Wright- NY Mets
6-RF Adam Dunn-Washington Nationals
(Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers, ran for in the 8th, played CF)
7-LF Mark DeRosa-Cleveland Indians
8-C Brian McCann-Atlanta Braves
9-CF-RF Shane Victorino-Philadelphia Phillies
