Team USA scored a 14-2 victory over Cuba to advance to the World Baseball Classic final. Trea Turner hit two homers in the game to boost his total to three in the last 24 hours, while USA scored in every inning. The Americans will now face either Japan or Mexico in the championship game. The USA offense was dominant throughout the game, with Tim Anderson’s sacrifice fly in the first inning putting them ahead. In the third inning, USA had the bases loaded with no outs, and they scored two more runs through Nolan Arenado and Kyle Schwarber. Trea Turner’s third homer of the tournament gave USA a 3-1 lead in the second inning. The pitch count of USA’s starting pitcher Adam Wainwright sat at 64, and it is unclear how much longer he will remain in the game.
USA Advances to World Baseball Classic Final with 14-2 Victory over Cuba
Team USA secured a spot in the World Baseball Classic final after a dominant 14-2 victory over Cuba. Trea Turner led the charge for the Americans, belting two homers in the contest. With the win, USA awaits the winner of the Japan-Mexico semifinal on Monday night. The championship game is scheduled for Tuesday.
Game Recap
Cedric Mullins’ homer put the Americans ahead 14-2, and they entered the ninth inning with a comfortable lead. USA coasted through the first eight innings, with every player getting a hit except for Mike Trout. However, Trout finally broke through with a double in the eighth inning to extend the lead to 13-2.
USA pitcher Brady Singer closed out the game in the ninth inning, ending Cuba’s hopes of a comeback. With the victory, USA has now scored in every inning of the tournament.
Trea Turner’s Power Surge
Trea Turner was the star of the game for the Americans, hitting two homers to boost his total to three in the last 24 hours. His third homer gave USA a 12-2 lead in the sixth inning, putting the game out of reach. Turner has been one of the most productive players for Team USA in the tournament, with four homers overall, the most in the World Baseball Classic.
Arenado’s Scare
Nolan Arenado gave USA fans a scare when he was hit on the hand with a pitch in the fifth inning. Though he was removed from the game as a precaution, x-rays were negative, and he is expected to be available for the championship game. With USA holding a 9-2 lead, the coaching staff opted to bring in Bobby Witt Jr. and Jeff McNeil in the sixth inning to rest some of their starters.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Team USA has reached the championship game of the World Baseball Classic. The Americans will face either Japan or Mexico, depending on the result of their semifinal match. USA will have the advantage of being well-rested, with their high-leverage relievers ready for action. The championship game is set for Tuesday night.
Team USA Takes 5-1 Lead Against Cuba in World Baseball Classic Semifinals
Team USA is off to a great start in the World Baseball Classic semifinals against Cuba, with a 5-1 lead after three innings. USA has scored in every inning so far, and pitcher Adam Wainwright has retired 12 of the last 14 batters he’s faced. However, with a pitch count of 64, Wainwright may be reaching his limit. The maximum pitch count in this round is 80.
USA’s Dominant Offense
USA’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, with the team taking an early lead thanks to a Tim Anderson sacrifice fly in the first inning. In the third inning, USA had the bases loaded with no outs, and Cuba was forced to bring in their third pitcher of the game. With a 4-1 lead, Nolan Arenado and Kyle Schwarber added two more runs for Team USA. Trea Turner hit his third homer of the tournament to give USA a 3-1 lead in the second inning.
The Mercy Rule
It’s important to note that there is no mercy rule in the semifinals, unlike in the first round of the tournament. This means that USA will be looking to add as many runs as possible to ensure victory.
Looking Ahead
With the game not yet halfway through, it remains to be seen how the rest of the contest will play out. However, if USA continues to play at this level, they will be difficult to beat.
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