Team USA

USA KO'ed

March 22 --The United States has been knocked out of the WBC. Team USA fell to defending WBC Champion Japan in a 9-4 effort at Dodger Stadium.

The U.S. got off to a quick start with a Brian Roberts solo homer in the top of the first. David Wright added another run in the second when he doubled deep to center, bringing Jimmy Rollins around to give the U.S. a 2-1 advantage over Japan. Rollins was 4-4 on the night.

Yet, Oswalt couldn't hold the Japanese bats at bay. Japan scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 4th inning. The Astros' star went 3.2 innings with 4 earned runs and 1 strikeout. Team USA would attempt a comeback in the top of the 8th, coming within two runs. However, Japan shut the door on all hopes of a comeback in the bottom of the inning by scoring another 3 runs.

Japan advances to the championship round to face South Korea on Monday.


Oswalt Gets the Nod

March 20 -- Team USA has named their starting pitcher for the semi-finals. Houston's Roy Oswalt will take to the mound to face Japan. Oswalt pitched four scoreless innings in the U.S. 9-3 victory over the Netherlands to evade elimination.

Japan's manager, Tatsunori Hara did not name the starter for his team. However, Red Sox ace Daisuke Matsuzaka is due up in the defending champions' rotation.

Last season, Oswalt posted a career worst 3.54 ERA, but still managed 17 wins for the Astros.


Ray of Hope

March 20 -- The Tampa Rays' third baseman, Evan Longoria is coming to the rescue! Longoria has been named to Team USA to replace the injured Chipper Jones. Jones played four games in the WBC, but a muscle strain in his right side will keep him from going any further.

Longoria was on the original 43-man provisional roster in January, but didn't start with the team at the beginning of the tournament.

Last season, Longoria hit .272 with 85 RBI's and a .343 OBP in 122 games.

Injuries continue to be a major concern for the U.S. During the second round the team lost Dustin Pedrioa, Kevin Youkilis, and Matt Lindstrom all fell victim to the injury bug.


Youk 'otta be kidding me!

March 19 -- The Boston Red Sox must be pulling their hair out! Last week the reigning AL MVP, Dustin Pedrioa hobbled back to Fort Myers after being injured in the WBC. Now Boston's first baseman, Kevin Youkilis has been added to the list of the walking wounded.

Youkilis has undergone an MRI and has been diagnosed with a high left ankle sprain and mild Achilles' tendinitis. He will miss the remainder of the tournament. Youk was reportedly bothered by the injury for the last several days. The Sox slugger homered in Tuesday's comeback win over Puerto Rico.

Injuries to Boston's two infielders and Chipper Jones will have Team USA scrambling to rearrange their roster before the semi-final round versus defending WBC Champion Japan.



Not Dunn Yet

March 18 -- Venezuela got past Team USA in Miami to conclude the 2nd round of the WBC. The 10-6 loss falls squarely on the shoulders of first baseman Adam Dunn. It was his wild throw that resulted in four unearned runs for the Central American opponent in the 10-6 loss.

Team USA managed 12 hits, but stranded 11 runners. The red, white, and blue used 7 pitchers in the game and gave up 15 hits, including a 3 run homer to Max Ramirez.

Both the U.S. and Venezuela have already qualified for the WBC semi-final round in Los Angeles. The game was to determine the seeding for the semi-final round.


I like to be in America!

March 17-- Team USA beat Puerto Rico in a rumble that didn't involve singing or ballet, just some last minute heroics. After a dismal 10 run mercy rule beating from the little island on Saturday, today the U.S. came from behind to stamp their ticket to the WBC semi-finals with a 6-5 win.

In classic, dramatic baseball fashion, David Wright hit a two run single with the bases loaded in the bottom on the 9th to finish a three run rally for the win. He was instantly tackled by his teammates when the winning run scored (Officer Krupke was on hand to keep things in order.)

The loss knocks Puerto Rico out of the tournament.

America's got a feelin' that something's coming, somethin' good.