Netherlands shocked the Dominican Republic and Canada put a scare into the US before falling as favorites struggled in their World Baseball Classic openers on Saturday.
Three unearned runs and five shutout innings by four relievers in support of winning pitcher Sidney Ponson led the Dutch to a 3-2 victory over a formidable Dominican lineup of Major League Baseball stars at San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The Dutch will play today against Puerto Rico, a 7-0 winner over Panama, to decide the group’s first qualifier for round two in Miami. The Dominicans had to beat Panama yesterday to avoid elimination.
PHOTO: EPA
Brian McCann, Adam Dunn and Kevin Youkilis each smashed home runs for the Americans in a hard-fought 6-5 victory over Canada in Toronto.
REVENGE ON CANADA
Not until reliever JJ Putz retired Canada’s final two batters with the tying run in scoring position did the US squad avenge an 8-6 loss to Canada in round one of the inaugural 2006 Classic on their way to crashing out in round two.
The Americans left the bases loaded in the seventh and eighth innings thanks to clutch strikeouts from Canada relievers Phillippe Aumont and David Davidson while Joey Votto and Russell Martin homered for the hosts.
US winning pitcher Jake Peavy could sympathize with the Dominicans after the narrow escape.
Houston’s Roy Oswalt was to pitch yesterday for the Americans against Venezuela, a 7-0 winner over Italy, to decide the group’s first qualifier for the second round in Miami.
“I think our guys learned from the first [Classic],” Oswalt said. “The first go round, guys didn’t get themselves ready early enough. This time guys prepared a little earlier instead of waiting to get ready. That’s one thing that’s tough about this tournament — if you get started out on the wrong foot it’s hard to catch up.”
Carlos Guillen and Melvin Mora homered for Venezuela and Seattle ace pitcher Felix Hernandez hurled four innings of shutout relief so Detroit right-hander Armando Galarraga was to get the start yesterday against the Americans.
‘CALM, NOT NERVOUS’
“We’re calm. We’re not very nervous,” Hernandez said. “We will do our best for a win that will take us straight to Miami.”
An error by Dominican shortstop Hanley Ramirez brought home two Dutch runs in the first inning and the Netherlands rode solid defensive work and skilled relief pitching for the victory.
Rob Cordemans hurled two-and-two-thirds innings of scoreless relief and together with Alex Smit, Leon Boyd and Dennis Neuman baffled the Caribbeans.
Free agent Ivan Rodriguez went 4-for-4 with two home runs and Carlos Delgado added three hits, including a solo homer, to power Puerto Rico’s victory.
In Tokyo yesterday, South Korea pummeled China to 14-0 in seven innings, at which time the game was ended under the mercy rule.
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