Phoenix. “When you look into the stands and see all the flags and look into the dugout and see that all of the guys have USA on their uniforms, this makes you a little emotional”.
New York Mets superstar David Wright hit a grand slam off Matt Torra in the top of the fifth inning and helped Team USA take a 6-2 lead against Italy that they would not surrender. Now Team USA needs another win on Sunday against Team Canada to join Italy, Puertorico and The Dominican Republic in the second round of theWorld Baseball Classic, to be played in Miami.
The Italians were off a good start against starter Ryan Vogelsong and took an early 2-0 lead. The USA offense was kept off balance by left hander Luca Panerati and his change up. Against hard throwing righthander Marco Grifantini, Team USA scored in the fourth on a double by designated hitter Joe Mauer and got on base in the fifth. On a bases loaded 2 out situation, italian reliever Matt Torra hanged a change up to David Wright and Team USA third baseman drove the ball into the left field bleachers.
“On the bench everybody was begging for a base hit” said manager Joe Torre “I didn’t say it, but I hoped for more”.
Vogelsong left after giving up a base hit to Italy’s shortstop Tony Granato and the bull pen shut Italy down. Affeldt went one inning and Washington Nationals’ Rosse Detweiler threw a 4 inning one hitter, earning the save.
“As soon as we started putting zeros on the scoreboard at the end of their at bats, things got better” said David Wright.
The USA will play Sunday at 4 pm US Eastern Time againstCanada.
“We are comfortable with the fact we have our destiny in ourt hands. We know we need a win” added Torre.
Team Italy will transfer to Miami, where on March 12 they will begin the second round of the tournament.
“To celebrate like we did today is always special” commented second baseman Nick Punto “This is play off atmosphere and it’s exciting baseball. We’re looking forward to getting on that flight tomorrow to go to Miami and we’ll se what happens”.
