SAN DIEGO – Eric Hosmer’s 2-run homer in the bottom of the 8th inning proved to be the difference as No. 2 United States defeated No. 7 Venezuela, 4-2, at Petco Park.
Venezuela scored on an error in the 3rd inning and Rougned Odor hit a solo home run in the top of 7th, which put Venezuela ahead, 2-0.
In the bottom of the 7th, the US made the score 2-1 on a sac-fly by Jonathan Lucroy, scoring Hosmer.
Adam Jones led off the 8th with a solo homer to tie the game at 2-2, before Hosmer’s blast gave the U.S. the lead.
USA starting pitcher Drew Smyly worked 4.2 innings, with 8 strikeouts and no earned runs.
Venezuela starter Felix Hernandez was equally impressive (5 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 3K).
U.S. closer Pat Neshek earned the win and Luke Gregerson picked up the save. Hector Rondon took the loss for Venezuela.
