Posted on 03/21/2017 9:58:46 PM PDT by TBP
Throughout their first three World Baseball Classics, the United States' burly batting order had some of the most prodigious sluggers in the Major Leagues, but that never got the Americans to the tournament's final game.
So naturally that changed in a dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over two-time Classic winner Japan on a wet, chilly Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, courtesy of a regular old ground ball.
With the score tied at 1 in the top of the eighth, Adam Jones' fielder's-choice RBI grounder was bobbled by Japan third baseman Nobuhiro Matsuda long enough to allow Brandon Crawford to score from third base. Team USA's bullpen held the lead, and now the Americans will finally play for a Classic crown. The Americans will be the road team against Puerto Rico here on Wednesday night at 9 ET on MLB Network and MLB.TV.
Tanner Roark was the starting pitcher and he was terrific. With the exception of a rusty Mark Melancon, the bullpen was strong.
The Japanese are known for their small ball, something I wish we would do more of here. Well, our small ball worked.
USA! USA! USA!
USA! USA! USA!
Since Puerto Rico is a US Territory the US has won whoever looses.
I thought I heard matt Vasgergian say that Marcus Stroman goes tomorrow.
Other than possibly Roark, I think it’s all hands on deck. PR hasn’t lost a game yet this year.
Yes, we will have Americans raising the trophy.
This was teh final I wanted. Now, go USA!
US will have their work cut out for them against PR.
True — they come into this game unbeaten in the tournament. They have a very tough ballclub.
It should be a great game.
Good, I’ve been keeping up with this in a general way. Just the scores.
Isn’t Melancon Canadian?
Tonight at 9 PM Eastern is the final game.
No, American — though it’s a French name.
Roark has to be one of the best under the radar pitchers in the last few years. I wonder why Daniel Murphy didn’t get any major time in the line up, you would think he would with the DH. Maybe dealing with an injury?
Freegards
I wonder that too. I think he’s been in 2 games the entire time. Leyland has played Kinsler virtually all the time. Is it the Detroit connection?
Jayson Werth and Dusty Baker have mildly complained about it, how much live in-game pitching has Murphy even seen this spring? Not to good for the Nats unless he’s still dealing with the high hamstring thing from last season or something.
Freegards
4-0 USA. Top of the 7th.
Stroman has no-hit PR through 6.
8-0 Bottom of the 8th. USA is 3 outs away.
It’s a Final!!!!!! 8-0!!!! USA are Champions!
Marcus Stroman threw 6 innings of no-hit ball to lead the way and was named tournament MVP.
I’d like to see President Trump invite the team to the White House.
What’s funny is that Stroman’s mother is originally from Puerto Rico, and therefore he was eligible to pitch for them.
Congratulations to Team USA on winning the 2017 World Baseball Classic. In celebration, I would like to dedicate the following to them.
(And suggest that President Trump invite them to the White House.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY&list=RD04854XqcfCY#t=25
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