Cleveland Sports Forum

Team USA pitcher Marcus Stroman discusses the 80-pitch pitch count and pitching against Puerto Rico

USA, Puerto Rico meet with top spot at stake
Pool F lead on the line when Stroman, Lugo square off

Two World Baseball Classic heavyweights will square off tonight at Petco Park in San Diego, as the United States and Puerto Rico meet at 10 ET (live on MLB Network and MLB.TV).

Both teams are coming off thrilling victories in Pool F. The U.S. came from behind to defeat Venezuela, 4-2, on Wednesday night behind home runs from Adam Jones and Eric Hosmer in the eighth inning. Puerto Rico became the first team to defeat the Dominican Republic since the 2009 Classic with a 3-1 victory on Tuesday night.

he U.S. and Puerto Rico will be playing for position atop of the Pool F standings, with the losing team tied for second place with the Dominican Republic at 1-1. The D.R. defeated Venezuela on Thursday night, 3-0. Venezuela, at 0-2, needs a U.S. victory tonight to keep alive the possibility of the other three teams tying at 1-2.

eam USA will send Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman to the mound. He tossed 4 2/3 scoreless innings against the Dominican Republic in the first round, giving up only three hits and striking out four.

Puerto Rico will counter with Mets right-hander Seth Lugo. He pitched 5 1/3 scoreless frames against Venezuela in the first round, giving up just one hit and striking out three.

"They're All-Stars from one through nine," Stroman said of Puerto Rico's lineup. "You definitely have to be on top of your game to get these guys out. So I think it's definitely a great experience, and definitely prepared me more heading into the season."

With the likes of Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor and Javier Baez behind him in the field, Lugo is focused on pitching with his defense in mind.

"I don't have to worry about making the best pitch or trying to strike people out," Lugo said. "If I can just throw quality pitches in the zone, these guys are going to make great plays behind me like they've been making all tournament. I'm just going to try to stay with the same approach, and attack the zone, attack the hitters, and let these guys do what they do best."
Seth Lugo fanned three batters over 5 1/3 scoreless frames, allowing only one hit in his winning outing against Venezuela

Three things to know about this game

• At 4-0, Puerto Rico is one of two undefeated teams in WBC 2017, along with Japan (6-0). Japan already punched its ticket to the Championship Round at Dodger Stadium after defeating Israel on Wednesday in Tokyo. The Netherlands also advanced out of Pool E.

• Starting pitchers for the U.S. haven't allowed a earned run in WBC 2017, taking a 17 1/3-inning streak into tonight's contest.

• The U.S. and Puerto Rico have met four times in Classic history. The first two meetings were in the second round of the 2009 Classic. Puerto Rico won the first game, 11-1, but the U.S. eliminated Puerto Rico with a 6-5 victory in the second meeting to advance to the semifinals.

In the 2013 Classic, the two teams again met twice in the second round. The U.S. won the first game, 7-1, but Puerto Rico advanced to the semifinals with a 4-3 win over the U.S. three days later. Puerto Rico reached the championship game against the Dominican Republic but lost, 3-1.

Machado's brilliant 'D' on display in Classic

Miggy's status unclear after early exit
Tigers first baseman leaves VEN-DR tilt with tight back

Chacin's gem vs. DR a case for SD's rotation

Volquez solid for D.R., fans 6 against Venezuela

Lugo brings elite spin into Classic vs. USA
Mets righty's average curve spin of 3,318 rpm leads Majors

Cervelli enjoys Classic experience with Italy
Servais pleased with Felix, Smyly in WBC

Francisco Lindor and Javier Báez listen to batting instructor Carlos Delgado during yesterday's training session.

Crucial duel between Puerto Rico and the United States in San Diego
With a win, the Puerto Rican Team would advance to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic

San Diego, California - Seth Lugo was born and raised in the United States and visited Puerto Rico for the first time two months ago.

But the right handed pitcher said that tonight he will rise to the mound at Petco Park of this city without any emotional dilemmas.

"Growing up I always felt like a Puerto Rican, even though I'm from Louisiana. I am proud to represent Puerto Rico, "Lugo said yesterday at a press conference on the question of how he felt about pitching against the country in which he grew up.

That forceful response of Lugo provoked the cry of "boom!" Of the Puerto Rican midfielder Javier Báez.

The right-hander of the New York Mets will be tasked tonight to place Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic championship round. The match will be broadcast at 10:00 pm, local time, by Wapa 2.

A victory by Puerto Rico would put the team in the semifinal round of the tournament, no matter what happens in the rest of the games in the round.

It will be a game of revenge for the United States, who were eliminated by Puerto Rico in the second phase of the tournament of 2013.

However, the Puerto Ricans are motivated after beating defending champion Dominican Republic 3-1 on Tuesday to extend their undefeated streak in this tournament to four outings.

Lugo graduated with honors in his debut in the tournament when he threw one-hit ball in five innings and a third in the 11-0 thrashing against Venezuela in the first leg of the opening phase in Guadalajara, Mexico.

"It is exciting. I want to go out against them like I did against Venezuela, to win. Every team that I face, I want to take them out, "added Lugo.

Lugo was unconcerned by the USA's powerful offense, noting that the impeccable defense of Puerto Rico, in which Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor and Báez stand out will assist him in the field.

"If I can throw quality pitches in the right spots, these guys are going to make great plays behind me like they've done the entire tournament. I will try to approach this game as the others, attack the stike zone, attack the batters, and leave them to do their best, "he added.

The United States, who came back from a 4-2 win over Venezuela on Wednesday night thanks to homers by Adams Jones and Eric Hosmer in the eighth inning, will be up against Toronto's right hander Marcus Stroman.

"They have an incredible lineup. I keep in touch with some of them like Lindor and Correa. I'm excited for this moment. I love atmosphere that has been on display in these games. I can not wait to face a lineup of stars, "said the 25-year-old pitcher.

Stroman had no decision in the United States defeat 7-5 against the Dominicans in Miami. He pitched 4.2 innings with zeros and four strikeouts. Tonight, he will be looking to follow in the footsteps of the other starters for the United States, who have not allowed any earned runs in 18 innings, with just eight hits and 22 strikeouts.

"We have to take into account several elements. First, the good pitching that we are going to face in this round. More in a park that does not allow runs like Mexico. It is a park of pitchers. The starters are the key. Especially for us and with a bullpen that has shown that it can get the job done. If Seth Lugo follows the same trend of staying in game and throwing four to five innings, we will have the chance, "said Puerto Rican coach Edwin Rodríguez.

The Puerto Rican team comes into its fifth Classic game with a 1.85 ERA. Allowing only seven earned runs runs in 34 innings.

"We are going to play again against a team on Friday (today) that has played very, very well. So this does not get any easier. All of these teams that are here right now are amazing, "said Jim Leyland, a seasoned American manager.

How are the Danes doing? I never read who was the victor in the Scandinavian division?

The Kingdom of the Netherlands are one of the semi-finalists. Japan is the second. They will meet two of the four remaining teams for the final two spots in the semi final series. They will meet either the USA, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, or the Dominican Republic.

Francisco Lindor peaks the Stars.

Team Puerto Rico seeks to set foot in Los Angeles
Puerto Rico will try to shorten the way to the semifinal round with a win today against the United States
March 17, 2017

With several goals on the table, the Puerto Rican team returns to the field today to face the United States in the second game of the second round of the World Baseball Classic.

After a well-deserved day of rest on Wednesday and a relaxing practice yesterday at San Diego's Petco Park, the Team Puerto Rico will look to retain their unbeaten streak in the tournament and take an important step toward Los Angeles where the semi final and final rounds will be held Starting next Tuesday.

"Everyone is ready and rested," Puerto Rican leader Edwin Rodriguez told EL VOCERO .

Puerto Rico (4-0), who comes in undefeated, succumbed to the defending champion and executioner in the finals of the 2013 edition, Dominican Republic (3-1), and will have Seth Lugo on the mound.

The United States (3-1), meanwhile, who scored a dramatic comeback against Venezuela (2-3) yesterday, will start the game with Marcus Stroman in what will be a duel of pitchers of Puerto Rican descent.

The last time that both teams faced each other was in the edition of 2013, where Team Puerto Rico eliminated United States and secured their ticket to the semifinals.

Lugo, whose paternal grandfather is a native of San Germán, debuted in the Classic last Friday with a solid victory over Venezuela in the opening game of the first round in Jalisco, Mexico. The right-hander barely allowed one hit and conceded three strikeouts in five and a third inning.

Stroman, a Puerto Rican mother, dominated the Dominican Republic in four and two-thirds on the way to allowing three hits and four strikeouts. The United States, however, lost the game. However, the young pitcher had no decision.

In that sense, both teams have looked solid with their pitching. The Puerto Rican pitchers have barely allowed eight runs and accumulated a meager 1.08 ERA, while the American starters have not allowed runs at 17 and a third inning and have fanned 22 batters.

"They should be more concerned about the style of play of us, than we of them. But it is a team that must be attacked in the same way we have done throughout the tournament. We are going to implement our aggressive, intelligent and cheerful style, "said Rodríguez.

"It's (a game) meaningful because if we win, we're halfway to Los Angeles. But it's going to be another game against a team with super players, "he added.

The game plan is for Lugo to throw five solid innings, then go to the bullpen "it's strong," he said.

According to Rodríguez, the lineup will be the same as the last game, with TJ Rivera (first baseman), Javier Báez (second baseman), Francisco Lindor (short pitch), Carlos Correa (third base), Eddie Rosario ), Reymond Fuentes (center fielder), Ángel Pagán (left fielder), Yadier Molina (receiver) and Carlos Beltrán (designated hitter).

The game is scheduled for 10:00 pm (Puerto Rico time).

Jose Colon is having an awesome series. Could propel him to a bullpen job.

P.R. scores four in 1st

PR gets to Stroman with 6 straight hits in 1st

Starting pitchers for the United States entered Friday night's World Baseball Classic matchup with Puerto Rico not having allowed an earned run in the tournament. That changed in a hurry when Puerto Rico's first six batters each recorded a hit against Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman, jumping out to a 4-0 lead at Petco Park.

Stroman tossed 4 2/3 scoreless innings against a power-packed Dominican Republic lineup in the first round of the Classic. But Angel Pagan, Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, Carlos Beltran, Yadier Molina and Javier Baez all singled to open the bottom of the first Friday.

Stroman has never surrendered more than five hits in a single inning of a MLB game in his career.

Puerto Rico Defeats the United States 6-5 and moves on to the Classic semifinals

San Diego, California -

Puerto Rico punches their ticket to Los Angeles.

Team Puerto Rico beat Marcus Stroman with six consecutive singles for four runs in the first inning and a costly mistake by Nolan Arenado let two more runs to score in the sixth inning in a 6-5 win over the United States in front of 32,463 fans at Petco Park, Advancing to its second consecutive semi final round of World Baseball Classic .

Edwin '' Sugar 'Diaz worked his way out of a jam in the ninth inning by striking out the side after allowing a two-run triple to Brandon Crawford that increased the drama in the stadium and cut the Puerto Rican lead to 6-5 before striking out Josh Harrison to end the game.

The Puerto Ricans will have a game on Saturday at 3:30 pm (local time) against Venezuela, a team that was eliminated from the tournament after two losses in the second phase of Group F.

The Americans and the Dominican Republic will play at 10:00 pm for the final ticket to Los Angeles.

Puerto Rico will face Team Netherlands Monday to start the final dance of the Classic. Japan is also in Los Angeles with a 6-0 record.

Seth Lugo had ice in his veins in his second victory of the tournament. He allowed solo home runs by Buster Posey and Adam Jones for five-hit ball, three runs and two strikeouts in 5.2 innings.

The "blondes" of the island, now 5-0 in the competition, showed no mercy against Stroman, who's mother is of Puerto Rican decent, before the sun fell over the city of San Diego.

Carlos Correa, Carlos Beltrán, Yadier Molina batted in the first three three runs for the Puerto Ricans. Eddie Rosario brought the fourth run home with a sacrifice fly.

It was the first scoring that was allowed by the United States starters in 17.1 innings in four games of the Classic.

Stroman took the loss after allowing eight hits in 4.2 innings.

The United States was not intimidated by the small ball game of Puerto Rico. They showed power with Posey and Jones' home runs in the fifth and sixth innings respectively to get closer to tying the game and awakened most of the local fans who were overshadowed by tambourines and timbales with the chorus of "USA, USA ".

In the top of the seventh, Javier Báez was walked by Mychal Givens. The Puerto Rican infielder responded with a stolen base.

With Rosario also on board, manager Jimmy Leyland chose to bring in the fearsome reliever, Andrew Miller, the star of the Cleveland Indians.

Between Miller's two strikeouts, manager Edwin Rodríguez called for a successful double steal with Báez and Rosario on base. The two stolen bases were Puerto Rico's fourth and fifth of the game

Then Angel Pagan followed with a bullet to Arenado at third base. The ball hit the edge of the infield grass and took a bad hop headed over Arenado's head. Arenado made a great play on the ball but threw badly to first-base allowing two runs to score which increased the Puerto Rico lead to 6-3.

It was Puerto Rico's second consecutive victory over the United States. The Puerto Ricans eliminated the Americans in the second round of the 2013 edition.

Edwin Rodríguez asks for tolerance for young people who paint themselves as blond
The Puerto Rican leader sees the #TeamRubio movement as positive

San Diego, Calif. -

Puerto Rican manager Edwin Rodriguez called for flexibility for the youngsters back home who have dyed their hair blonde to support their players in the World Baseball Classic.

According to several media reports, the La Sagrada Familia School in Corozal suspended a group of students who came to the classroom with their golden hair.

"I regret the suspensions of those who dyed their hair in the schools. But yes, I think the officials should be flexible with them. We are close, I would say, very close to achieving a fete in Puerto Rican sports history, and everyone should be part of that, "Rodriguez told a pre-game press conference before their game against the United States.

"I think it's a good thing. Although I'm not a fan of the media, it is. Always when there is a common cause and the behavior is aimed toward something positive, you have to see it that way, "he added.

Puerto Ricans of all ages have shown their blonde heads in the social networks showing their commitment to the Puerto Rican team in their attempt to win the Championship of the Classic.

Rodríguez, for his part, could soon dye his facial hair golden. The manager is the only one, along with Juan 'Igor' González, who has not done so.

"I have to do it. There's a lot of pressure, " he chuckled.

Networks overflowed with messages of support for Team Puerto Rico
Tennis player Monica Puig and singer Ricky Martin joined forces that show their pride for the National Baseball Team that will face the United State this evenings

Euphoria in the Placita de Santurce for the World Classic
<

Carlos Correa, Carlos Beltran, Yadier Molina and Eddie Rosario each drive in runs in Team Puerto Rico's four-run 1st inning

After big 1st, PR holds on to advance in WBC '17

Puerto Rico punched its ticket to the World Baseball Classic semifinals in Los Angeles with a 6-5 win over the United States on Friday at Petco Park, remaining unbeaten in this year's tournament.

Puerto Rico, which finished as the runner-up in the 2013 Classic, will now join Japan and the Netherlands among the four nations competing at Dodger Stadium next week. The U.S. remains in the hunt, vying to reach the semifinals for just the second time in four Classic appearances. The team will be determined by Saturday evening's bout between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic at 7 p.m. ET on MLB Network and MLB.TV.

Friday's result eliminated Pool F contender Venezuela, which will take on Puerto Rico on Saturday afternoon. That contest precedes the evening's main event at 3:30 p.m. ET in San Diego.

The United States battled back throughout the night and even threatened to erase Puerto Rico's lead in the ninth inning when Brandon Crawford's two-RBI triple cut the deficit to one and put the tying run at third. Mariners reliever Edwin Diaz extinguished the rally and clinched the victory by striking out Josh Harrison.

Puerto Rico hit the ground running for an early 4-0 lead with each of its first six batters reaching base on a single. A pivotal throwing error by U.S. third baseman Nolan Arenado in the sixth inning gave Puerto Rico the two runs it would need to endure the late American rally.
With two outs in the 9th, Brandon Crawford drives the ball to the left-center-field wall for a two-run triple

Seth Lugo earned the victory for Puerto Rico for his 5 2/3 innings of work. Lugo, who is competing for a spot in the Mets' rotation this spring, surrendered three runs and five hits, including both home runs.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Hit parade: Puerto Rico didn't waste any time getting its offense going when it began the game by building a four-run lead with six consecutive hits. Angel Pagan, Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, Carlos Beltran, Yadier Molina and Javier Baez each singled in the bottom of the first.

Team USA starter Marcus Stroman, who held the Dominican Republic scoreless for 4 2/3 frames in the first round, has never surrendered more than five hits in a single inning in his Major League career. Stroman settled in after the first to hold Puerto Rico to two hits and a walk until his exit, two outs into the fifth.

Puerto Rico capitalizes on errant throw: Arenado gifted Puerto Rico a pair of runs in the sixth inning with a throwing error. The four-time Gold Glove Award winner hauled in a tough ground ball by Pagan that nearly skipped over his head but his throw was off the mark, hitting the dirt and taking a bad bounce past first baseman Eric Hosmer. The error turned a likely inning-ending out into a two-run boon for Puerto Rico as both Baez and Eddie Rosario scored on the play.
Nolan Arenado fields a tough hop but his throw to first is off target, allowing Javier Baez and Eddie Rosario to score in the 6th

American hero: Adam Jones came through late for the U.S. yet again with a solo homer that made it a one-run game in the sixth inning. Jones delivered the walk-off hit that propelled Team USA past Colombia in the first round in Miami last week and also hit a game-tying home run in Wednesday's victory over Venezuela.

The Orioles outfielder hasn't had much success early in games in this tournament, batting 1-for-11 with zero RBIs, but has been clutch in the sixth inning and later, when he's 5-for-9 with four extra-base hits and four RBIs.
Adam Jones brings Team USA within a run in the 6th inning with a solo home run to left-center field, his second homer of WBC 2017

Diaz hangs tough: Crawford's triple made the game interesting in the ninth as Team USA threatened to undo Puerto Rico's lead. With the tying run 90 feet from home plate, Diaz made Harrison whiff on an 86.6 mph slider that clinched his second save of the tournament.

Diaz, 22, is expected to serve as Seattle's closer this season after converting 18 of 21 save opportunities as a rookie last year.
Edwin Diaz gets Josh Harrison to swing through a breaking ball for the final out, sealing Team Puerto Rico's 6-5 win over Team USA

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Stroman became the first U.S. starting pitcher to surrender an earned run in the tournament. Chris Archer, Stroman, Danny Duffy and Drew Smyly combined to allow just one unearned run through 17 1/3 innings over the team's first four games.

WHAT'S NEXT

Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico and Venezuela open Saturday's split doubleheader at Petco Park with a 3:30 p.m. ET contest. Venezuela has already been eliminated, while Puerto Rico, by virtue of having beaten the Dominican Republic and the United States, has clinched Pool F's top seed, meaning it will begin the semifinals Monday night against the Netherlands in Los Angeles.

United States: The United States and the Dominican Republic will compete for a spot in the Classic semifinals in an elimination game Saturday night at 10 ET. The winner will advance to Los Angeles alongside Puerto Rico, Japan and the Netherlands.

BOX SCORES

http://m.mlb.com/gameday/united-states- ... 486935#Box

<

Carlos Correa (a shortstop) speared a liner as a third baseman, because he's absurdly good