Miami/Tokyo. While the second round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic in Tokyo, Japan ended with a victory of Team Samurai in the seeding game over the Netherlands, the second round in Miami, Florida got underway on Tuesday. The results don’t show any surprises. The Dominican Republic came back from a four-run deficit to down a strong Italian team. Team USA out-pitched and out-hit Puerto Rico en route to a win.
Second Round:
Japan 10 – Netherlands 6
Tuesday at the 2013 World Baseball Classic started at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. Team Samurai and the Netherlands squared off in the last second round game at that venue, trying to determine first place en route to the semi-finals in San Francisco. Japan prevailed 10-6 behind an eight-run second, which was highlighted by a pair of home runs of Shinnosuke Abe. Andrelton Simmons homered for the Dutch team, which was able to cut the deficit to 6-8 in the eighth. But in the end the two-time defending WBC champion sealed the victory.
Dominican Republic 5 – Italy 4
Mainly thanks to a three-run home run by Chris Collabello, Italy scored four runs in the top of the first to shock the Dominican Republic with an early 4-0 lead. However the Pool C winner and one of the main favorites to win the tournament eventually settled in. Jose Reyes and Robinson Cano got the team of manager Tony Pena on the board with solo home runs. A three-run seventh turned the game around and gave the Dominican squad a 5-4 victory at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida.
USA 7 – Puerto Rico 1
After their struggles in the first round, the United States has found a way to fulfill the high expectations. On Tuesday evening at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida the team of manager Joe Torre beat Puerto Rico 7-1. David Wright drove in five of the seven runs. Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Braun scored twice. Gio Gonzalez, who pitched in front of family and friends in his home town, struck out five in five three-hit innings. Puerto Rico didn’t score until the eighth and will face an elimination match against Italy on Wednesday.
Outlook
The second round in Miami, Florida continues on Wednesday with the first elimination game. Italy and Puerto Rico will battle against an early exit during the modified double elimination phase. First pitch is scheduled for 7pm local time at Marlins Park. One day later the Dominican Republic and Team USA will square off to play for a berth in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile Japan and the Netherlands are traveling to Arizona to prepare for the final round in San Francisco. Awaiting their opponents Team Samurai will face the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs on Thursday and Friday in a pair of exhibition games. The Netherlands takes on the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres.
Schedule
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Second Round:
19:00 Puerto Rico – Italy (Marlins Park in Miami, Florida)
(all times local)
Complete Schedule can be found at www.worldbaseballclassic.com.
The 2013 World Baseball Classic is officially sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF). The winner will be named IBAF World Champion for the first time. The final round will be played at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California from March 17 to 19. More information including highlights can be found at www.worldbaseballclassic.com
