 |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Mexico sends Team USA packing at the World Baseball ClassicWritten by Gustavo Rivera, www.latinosportslegends.com March 17, 2006 -- One of the teams many predicted to win the inaugural World Baseball Classic tournament has been eliminated.
Team USA was defeated last night by Mexico, 2-1, and was officially
eliminated from the 16-team WBC tournament.
The defeat means Japan advances out of the pool instead of the US. The star-studded US team, who suffered surprising defeats to Canada and South Korea in earlier group games, could only manage three hits against Mexico in front of 38,284 fans at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Veteran pitcher Roger Clemens started the game, but was out-pitched by Mexico starter Oliver Perez and seven relievers. "There was a lot said about Team USA not taking this seriously," said US coach Buck Martinez. "But I can guarantee you there are a lot of guys hurting in the clubhouse right now. We just never got into the groove with the bats." “Three weeks ago, everyone said it would be an exhibition,” Rodriguez said. “Now that we've lost, it's a World Series. Any time you put on a USA uniform in any sport, there are ramifications. This is a big disappointment.” Mexico, Japan and the U.S. all finished with 1-2 records in second-round play, but Japan won the tiebreaker, having allowed five runs in 17 2/3 innings against common opponents. Team USA permitted five in 17, while Mexico gave up seven in 17 innings. Jorge Cantu, who starred for the Mexican team, added: "We wanted to end triumphant. We knew yesterday we were out, but we wanted to end strong, and that's how we played. "This is a very important step for Mexican players. This is a wonderful way to open the doors for all of our great Mexican players." The final of the inaugural World Baseball Classic takes place at Petco Park in San Diego on Monday night.
|
|
|
