Miami. Nobody actually expected it could happen but, as Team USAoutfielder Ryan Braun puts it: “In baseball and a small sample size anything can happen and does happen”.
Puerto Rico defeated (4-3) Team USA and advances to the Final Round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
It’s one more disappointment for the country that invented baseball and invented the World Baseball Classic.
Manager Joe Torre commented: “I have been on both sides of a short series and that’s what it is. It doesn’t mean you don’t have a good team. But let me say this has been one of the most memorable experiences of my career. I have been with these guys for almost 2 weeks and they did everything they could”.
Puerto Rico was quick to get on the scoreboeard, as lead off Angel Pagan singled off Ryan Vogelsong and scored on back to back singles to right field by Yadier Molina and Mike Aviles.
Puerto Rico starter Nelson Figueroa allowed only two hits over six innings and set the pace for his team.
“It’s not just Nelson Figueroa” he said after the game “But today I had everything, my control was wonderful and I had a lot of confidence in Yadier Molina plan”.
Puerto Rico opened the score against reliever Vinny Pestano, who was wild in the sixth as he relieved Vogelsong and allowed a couple of walks to load the bases and force a run. Puerto Rico’s Andy Gonzalez batted in two more on a deep double to center field.
“I believe it was the most important at bat of my career” commented the third baseman.
Team USA seemed capable of coming back in the seventh; they scored their first run, but were stopped by reliever De La Torre, who struck out Adam Jones with two runners on board.
In the eighth Team USA made it a 4-2 games on a double by Ryan Braun and a 4-3 game on a bases loaded walk by reliever Cabrera. J.C. Romero took the mound with the bases loaded and got Hosmer on a grounder to second.
Joe Torre refuses to accept the idea his team was not ready to play at this time of the year: “We had the bases loaded and one out. If we get a base hit, all of a sudden we are ready….”.
Puerto Rico manager Edwin Rodriguez spoke with pride to the press: “Being one of the four teams left means a lot. We play to win, but also to represent”.
You beat Team USA on their field: “Well, with all due respect, there were more Hispanics tonight….”.
A loud crowd od 19,662 was at “Marlins Park” in a warm night.
Puerto Rico will play The Dominican Republic on Saturday at 1pm US Eastern time for the seeding in the semi finals. Orlando Roman will start for Puerto Rico against Wandy Rodriguez.
