USA Wins World Baseball Classic
One might say the story of team USA’s first World Baseball Classic title began in the second round against Puerto Rico. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman, who had the choice to suit up for Puerto Rico but ultimately elected to play with the US, had given up four runs in the first inning and six consecutive singles. Eventually he regained his composure, pitching 4 2/3 more innings without allowing any more runs. But the damage was done. Puerto Rico won that game, 6-5. Stroman took the loss. And the stage was set for Wednesday’s WBC Finals.
Enter, once more, Marcus Stroman. The 25 year-old right-hander got the start in the Finals against Puerto Rico after team USA defeated Japan in the semi-finals, 2-1. Then the magic began. Stroman threw a no-hitter through six innings before allowing a single off Angel Pagan in the seventh inning. Team USA manager Jim Leyland promptly pulled Stroman from the game. He exited to a standing ovation, the scoreboard reading 7-0 USA. Two innings later, the title belonged to America and the honor of tournament MVP belonged to Stroman.
It was a fitting conclusion to a tough slew of games for America. Ian Kinsler hit a two-run homer in the second inning to kick off the festivities. USA followed that up in the fifth with two RBI singles from Christian Yelich and Andrew McCutchen to make it 4-0. Two innings later, Brandon Crawford knocked a two-run single, making it 6-0. That same inning, Giancarlo Stanton brought in another run.
The Americans notched 13 hits and finished with a 6-2 record in their first WBC Final appearance. While the Puerto Ricans gave up their first loss in eight games after outscoring the opposition 55-26. New York Mets pitcher Seth Lugo took the loss for Puerto Rico, allowing five hits, four runs, and departing with an ERA of 4.20. On the other side, Stroman finished his stellar performance with an ERA of 2.35, giving up one hit on three strikeouts in 73 pitches. All in all it was a storybook finish for Stroman and Company.
After the game, Ian Kinsler said of team USA, “We got the right group of guys. That’s what matters. These guys came to fight every game. This is a tough tournament. Pool play is ridiculous.., With this group of guys, we’ll never forget this.”
It’s clear from America’s post-game antics that they had fun. They pushed through an extremely competitive pool to claim the WBC trophy, and come out victorious 8-0. You couldn’t ask for a better ending to this tournament.
Now it’s back to Spring training for everyone. The MLB season opener begins on Sunday, April 2.
