Posey in for Lucroy lone USA lineup change

Team USA trotted out a lineup tonight in the World Baseball Classic semifinal against Japan similar to the one it used to defeat the Dominican Republic on Saturday. A place in Wednesday's tournament championship is on the line on MLB.TV and MLB Network from Dodger Stadium. The game began on time, though it rained earlier in the day in Los Angeles.
Cutch helps USA break through vs. Japan

LOS ANGELES -- Andrew McCutchen and the United States struck first on Tuesday in its World Baseball Classic semifinals matchup against Japan. Starting pitchers Tomoyuki Sugano and Tanner Roark of the Nationals were locked in a scoreless duel for three-plus frames when McCutchen put the U.S. on the board with a two-out RBI single in the fourth.
All Roark, plenty of bite in USA start vs. Japan

LOS ANGELES -- Tanner Roark got Team USA off to a strong start against Japan on Tuesday in the World Baseball Classic semifinals. The U.S. called upon Roark for the elimination game, which he called the most important start of his career, and the Nationals right-hander delivered, holding the Japanese squad scoreless through four innings at Dodger Stadium. He made 48 pitches (30 strikes) and allowed just four batters to reach on two hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch.
Sugano shows he can hang with MLB stars

Japan starter Tomoyuki Sugano showed he has Major League-caliber stuff on Tuesday, tossing six innings of one-run ball against the United States in the World Baseball Classic semifinal game at Dodger Stadium. The United States and Japan were tied, 1-1, through six innings, in large part because of Sugano, a star in Japan who kept his country very much alive in the winner-take-all matchup.
Adam Jones bounces a grounder to third base, scoring Brandon Crawford to put Team USA ahead 2-1 in the top of the 8th inning

Jones plates Crawford as U.S. takes lead

Adam Jones came up big for Team USA once again on Tuesday night, driving in Brandon Crawford with the go-ahead run in the eighth inning to put the Americans ahead of Japan, 2-1, in the World Baseball Classic semifinal. The winner of the game will play Puerto Rico in Wednesday's championship game, set for 9 p.m. ET from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Fans can watch on MLB.TV or MLB Network.
Luke Gregerson, right, and Buster Posey of the United States celebrate the team’s 2-1 win over Japan. Photograph: Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports

USA into first World Baseball Classic final with 2-1 win over Japan

LOS ANGELES -- Throughout their first three World Baseball Classics, the United States' burly batting order had some of the most prodigious sluggers in the Major Leagues, but that never got the Americans to the tournament's final game. So naturally that changed in a dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over two-time Classic winner Japan on a wet, chilly Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, courtesy of a regular old ground ball. Unfinished business,” says Adam Jones, who had the game-winning RBI for the United States. “I tip my hat to the Japanes team. They don’t know us, we don’t know them. But I think it was a great game to watch for anyone. And now we get a chance to see Puerto Rico again.”

Luke Gregerson gets Nobuhiro Matsuda to chase a pitch in the dirt for the final out, sending Team USA to the WBC 2017 finals against P.R.

USA rises over Japan to reach 1st final vs. PR

LOS ANGELES -- Throughout their first three World Baseball Classics, the United States' burly batting order had some of the most prodigious sluggers in the Major Leagues, but that never got the Americans to the tournament's final game.

So naturally that changed in a dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over two-time Classic winner Japan on a wet, chilly Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, courtesy of a regular old ground ball.

With the score tied at 1 in the top of the eighth, Adam Jones' fielder's-choice RBI grounder was bobbled by Japan third baseman Nobuhiro Matsuda long enough to allow Brandon Crawford to score from third base. Team USA's bullpen held the lead, and now the Americans will finally play for a Classic crown. The Americans will be the road team against Puerto Rico here on Wednesday night at 9 ET on MLB Network and MLB.TV.

The taut, crisply played game was tied at 1 when Crawford, who had singled with one out, advanced to third on a tough slog over the soggy infield dirt on an Ian Kinsler double off the wall in left-center. Jones was facing a tough challenge in Japan reliever Kodai Senga, who had struck out the side in the seventh.

Jones beat the ball into the wet turf, and Crawford was off from third on a contact play. The ball popped out of Matsuda's glove long enough for Crawford to score prior to throwing Jones out at first, but the damage had been done.

Luke Gregerson, the last of six relievers used by Team USA in the game, closed out the win with a quick and perfect ninth inning, and the Americans celebrated on the field, albeit in subdued fashion, after having booked a ticket for the World Baseball Classic final.

Rain fell throughout the Los Angeles area throughout the day, and even though it had subsided enough for the game to start on time, there was a steady mist or sprinkles falling for most of the early innings. That didn't seem to affect either starting pitcher.

Japan right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano was phenomenal, pitching six innings and giving up the one run, which was unearned, on three hits. He struck out six and issued one walk. The only blip on his line score came in the top of the fourth, when a rare error by Japan second baseman Ryosuke Kikuchi on a hard-hit grounder by Christian Yelich gave Team USA a baserunner and Andrew McCutchen's two-out single drove him in for a 1-0 lead.
Statcast measures the exit velocity of Andrew McCutchen's single and the max speed and second-to-home time of Christian Yelich as he scores

USA starter Tanner Roark was up to the task as well, but his scoreless two-hit body of work only lasted four innings. Two frames later, reliever Nate Jones gave up a solo home run over the right-field wall off the bat of Kikuchi.

The U.S. bullpen was up to the task, however. Andrew Miller wiggled out of the sixth, and Sam Dyson got three consecutive ground-ball outs in the bottom of the seventh. The eighth was a tandem affair of Mark Melancon, who got two outs but also put runners on first and second, and Pat Neshek, who got Japan cleanup hitter Yoshitomo Tsutsugoh to fly out to right to end the threat, setting up Gregerson for the swift save.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Cutch in the clutch: Counting McCutchen's two-run double in their last game, a victory over the Dominican Republic, the Pirates outfielder had driven in his team's last three runs despite entering Tuesday's game with only two hits in his last 13 at-bats.
Andrew McCutchen smashes a single through the left side to plate Christian Yelich from second base, putting the United States up 1-0

Kikuchi makes up for miscue: Kikuchi's error on Yelich's ground ball onto the outfield grass in the fourth inning led to Team USA's first run. But Kikuchi got it back two innings later, blasting his home run 378 feet just over the outstretched glove arm of McCutchen in right field. It was Kikuchi's first homer of the tournament.
Ryosuke Kikuchi smacks a solo home run the other way, putting Japan on the board and tying up the game in the bottom of the 6th

Jones comes through again: It wasn't exactly a hard-hit ball, but for Jones, who beat Colombia in the first round with a walk-off single and robbed Manny Machado of a home run with a leaping catch at the wall in the huge win over the Dominican Republic to clinch Team USA's appearance in the semifinal, he managed to be the man in the moment again. Jones did what he had to do, putting the ball in play against Senga, who had fanned four consecutive batters, and it was enough for a lead that would hold up.
Adam Jones bounces a grounder to third base, scoring Brandon Crawford to put Team USA ahead 2-1 in the top of the 8th inning

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

Team USA manager Jim Leyland asked for a review of a groundout by Eric Hosmer with one out in the second inning on a close play on a throw from third baseman Matsuda to first baseman Sho Nakata. The call was confirmed after a review of 42 seconds.
Leyland successfully had a play reviewed in the top of the third inning. With Buster Posey on first base, Giancarlo Stanton hit a hard grounder to third baseman Matsuda, who made a nifty diving play and threw to second baseman Kikuchi, who appeared to nail Stanton at first for a double play. However, Leyland wanted the transfer at second reviewed, because it appeared that Kikuchi was off the bag before he threw to first. Leyland was correct, and the call was overturned after a review of 1 minute, 1 second.

In the bottom of the third, there were two reviews. The first came when Japan manager Hiroki Kokubo challenged a play at second base in which Seiji Kobayashi slid into second on a fielder's-choice grounder by Tetsuto Yamada. He was ruled out, and the call was confirmed after a review of 41 seconds.

On the next play, with Kikuchi at the plate, Yamada took off to steal second and was ruled safe on a close play that Leyland reviewed. That call, too, was confirmed after a review of 48 seconds.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Matsuda hit a slow roller to the right of Hosmer at first base and Hosmer shoveled the ball to Jones, but first-base umpire Eric Cooper ruled Matsuda safe. Leyland had the play reviewed and replay showed Jones' foot beat Matsuda to the bag, so the call was overturned after a review of 56 seconds.

WHAT'S NEXT

United States: Team USA will play against starter Seth Lugo and Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic title at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night, with first pitch set for 9 p.m. ET.

BOX SCORES

http://m.mlb.com/gameday/united-states- ... 486940#Box

<

United States will face Puerto Rico for the Championship of the Classic
The Americans, will go to their first final in this event, beat Japan 2-1

Los Angeles, Calif. - Adam Jones drove in the winning run with a single in the eighth inning and the United States advanced to its first World Baseball Classic final Tuesday after beating Japan 2-1 in front of more than 30,000 rain soaked fans in the Dodgers Stadium.

The Americans will have their game of revenge on Wednesday when they face Puerto Rico, undefeated in seven outings, in the championship game at 9:00 pm (local time).

The Puerto Ricans defeated the United States 6-5 in the second-round game in San Diego. In the history of the Classic, Puerto Rico is 3-2.

On Tuesday, the United States avenged the defeat by the Japanese in the semifinals four years ago. Japan, two time champions of the competition were dethroned in 2013 by Puerto Rico 3-1.

The United States will have Marcus Stroman on the mound against the Puerto Rican team.

The 25-year-old right-hander was punished by the Puerto Rican offense last Friday after surrendering six straight hits for four runs in the win.

Puerto Rico will send Seth Lugo against the USA. Lugo won two games in his Classic debut.

<
USA-PR a final worthy of emotional WBC '17

What else did you expect? Baseball is so great when it's played with pride, played with joy, played with something on the line.

Two of the past three World Series have come down to Game 7 classics, and now the 2017 World Baseball Classic is serving up the most anticipated game ever in March.

onight at 9 ET on MLB.TV and MLB Network, it's Jim Leyland's Team USA vs. the unbeaten blondes from Puerto Rico, featuring the same starting pitchers as the previous U.S.-Puerto Rico game -- the Blue Jays' Marcus Stroman against the Mets' Seth Lugo -- after World Baseball Classic semifinals that left us wondering what could possibly be next.

A walk-off grand slam? A game-ending triple play? Maybe a straight steal of home by Paul Goldschmidt?

It was probably impossible to top the drama of Puerto Rico's 11-inning 4-3 victory over Wladimir Balentien and the Netherlands on Monday, but the U.S. and Japan kept the competition as tense as it could be while playing through the light rain at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.

When it ended with Luke Gregerson throwing a perfect ninth inning to secure the United States' 2-1 win.
Puerto Rico begins the 2017 World Baseball Classic with seven wins in their first seven games to be the talk of the tournament

"We knew we had to bring our 'A' game," Andrew McCutchen said. "They brought theirs. It definitely was a challenge. It was a really good ballgame. It was an all-around great game, great team. It was very fun."

Team USA is in the championship game of the Classic for the first time. And it's all led us to a conclusion that should put an exclamation point on the greatest celebration of international baseball ever played.

In the fourth rendition of the event that started in 2006, everything has clicked.

We knew something was different back on March 10 at Marlins Park, when Nolan Arenado dove headfirst into first base after strike three got away from a Colombian catcher, his urgency helping the stunned Americans position themselves for a 10-inning victory. Adam Jones' robbery of Orioles teammate Manny Machado in Team USA's elimination-game victory over the Dominican Republic pounded home the point.
Adam Jones runs to the center-field wall, leaps and robs his O's teammate Manny Machado of a possible homer, who tips his cap out of respect

Now we're here.

To capture the title, the Americans must beat Puerto Rico, which is trying to roll through WBC '17 without a loss. The Dominican Republic did that in 2013, beating Puerto Rico in the final, but now it's Roberto Clemente's homeland that is trying to claim bragging rights.

With veterans Yadier Molina and Carlos Beltran setting the tone for a wave of young talent built around the infield of Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and fielding wizard/contortionist Javier Baez, Puerto Rico has played the game with swagger and passion, unashamedly expressing joy thought nine innings, and sometimes more.

Puerto Rico has gone 7-0, sweeping pool play in Jalisco, Mexico, and San Diego. It beat Team USA, 6-5, at Petco Park last Friday, with a ninth-inning rally by the Americans falling just short.
McCutchen can't wait for the rematch.

"Very excited," McCutchen said on MLB Network. "They're a team that's going to come out and be loud and crazy, dancing and jumping. We're looking forward to to that, looking forward to coming out and doing our job and hopefully getting a victory."
Marcus Stroman tosses 4 2/3 scoreless innings against the Dominican Republic while allowing three hits and striking out four

Puerto Rico has outscored its opposition, 55-18, in its unbeaten run, and that has had a lot to do with a seemingly endless run of great defense.

Molina is largely responsible for getting Puerto Rico into the championship game. He took advantage of two Netherlands base running mistakes in the first inning Monday, limiting what would have otherwise been a very ugly inning for starter Jorge Lopez.

Correa, the Astros' shortstop, has been playing third base like Brooks Robinson. Baez continues to invent new ways to get outs in the field and avoid outs running the bases. The relay against the Dutch from Angel Pagan to Baez to Molina was executed as well as it could be, cutting down Jonathan Schoop at the plate.
Yadier Molina was a defensive force in Puerto Rico's win over the Netherlands, helping the team advance to the World Baseball Classic final

Puerto Rico manager Edwin Rodriguez said his team is more talented than the one that lost, 3-0, in the 2013 final, after beating Kenta Maeda and Japan in the semis.

"We have a bank of talent that is wider than in 2013," Rodriguez said. "There are more options. Not only the ones in the lineup, but also we have more options in our reserve players, and that is a huge difference."

Team USA is 5-2, with its only easy victory coming against Canada. Its other four wins were by a combined seven runs, so it's fitting that players have been wearing T-shirts reading "United we grind" since gathering in Florida for the first round a little more than two weeks ago.

Leyland hasn't smiled a lot along the way, but he let his guard down for a moment on camera after Gregerson got the final out against Japan. He survived an 11-inning Game 7 to guide the Marlins to a World Series championship over the Indians 20 years ago.

You can count on Leyland to be in the same mode when the anthems are playing tonight. The party is going to be on the Puerto Rican side, at least until the game is over. The celebration afterward is sure to be wild, whichever team wins. It's been a thrilling ride.

Yadier Molina puts on a master defensive clinic and delivers with the bat for Team Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic

Position-by-position breakdown: USA vs. PR
Top clubs set to square off tonight at 9 ET on MLB Network, MLB.TV

The United States' reward for reaching the World Baseball Classic final for the first time? A date with an energetic, upbeat and (so far) impossible to beat Puerto Rican squad. If the Americans are going to claim the crown, they're going to earn it, because Team P.R. has been one cohesive, competitive ballclub.

In advance of tonight's championship game at Dodger Stadium (9 p.m. ET on MLB Network and MLB.TV), here's a position-by-position breakdown of how these two world-class clubs stack up against each other. Please note that exact starting lineups are not yet known, so we'll do the best we can.

Catcher

For Team Puerto Rico, it's Yadier Molina behind the dish. For Team USA, Jim Leyland has alternated between Buster Posey and Jonathan Lucroy in his backstop slot throughout this tournament, and he's expected to start Lucroy in the grand finale. If we're talking about projected performance in the 2017 season, you might go with the younger Lucroy (30 to Molina's 34) here, but Yadi has simply been in his element in this event, contributing a .333/.333/.619 slash line in 21 at-bats, nabbing would-be basestealers and playing with more emotion than ever.

Advantage: Puerto Rico

First base

Puerto Rico's manager Edwin Rodriguez has primarily gone with T.J. Rivera here, though he's hit just .192 in the tournament, and Rene Rivera and Kennys Vargas have also seen time at the position. Whatever Rodriguez's choice, the pure potential does not compare to what Leyland can trot out there in Paul Goldschmidt and Eric Hosmer. Goldy's limited playing time in deference to Hosmer has sparked plenty of Twitter chatter, but Hosmer has had a great tournament. Either way, it's U.S.A. all the way here.

Big advantage: U.S.

Second base

Ian Kinsler, the reigning American League Gold Glove Award winner at second base, coming off one of the best seasons of his career, started in the semifinals. But Leyland has other options in Daniel Murphy and Josh Harrison, both of whom got a rare start against Seth Lugo in the previous round (Murphy at designated hitter, Harrison at second base). That's a strong setup overall, but this is another one where you can't watch this tournament and come away with anything other than profound appreciation for the way Javier Baez is playing right now. He's hitting .333 with a homer, five RBIs and four stolen bases and, of course, he had an instantly iconic no-look celebratory tag at second.

Small advantage: Puerto Rico
Javier Baez delivers on both offense and defense as he shines for Team Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic

Shortstop

Brandon Crawford is awesome -- a game-changing defender with a good bat that has more than delivered in this event (1.222 OPS). His backup, Alex Bregman, is one of the game's most exciting sophomores. And yet, neither one is Francisco Lindor, whose .435/.481/.739 slash line in 23 at-bats in the Classic is yet another window into his embrace of the big stage.

Advantage: Puerto Rico

Third base

Hot hand here. Carlos Correa is undoubtedly that. He's hit three homers and a double and driven in nine runs in this Classic. It's enough to make you wonder if the 22-year-old Correa is on the cusp of the kind of MVP-level year forecast for him. More importantly, for this exercise, it's enough to give him the edge even over an amazing two-way talent like Nolan Arenado (or his backup, Bregman).

Advantage: Puerto Rico
Statcast measures the exit velocity and projected distance of Carlos Correa's two-run home run for Puerto Rico

Left field

The Classic has hopefully exposed a wider audience to Christian Yelich, whose sweet swing and improved power were a highlight of the Marlins' 2016 season. He's 7-for-24 with three doubles. Puerto Rico counters here with the 35-year-old free agent Angel Pagan, who is hoping his Classic appearance sparks interest from a big league ballclub.

Advantage: U.S.

Center field
Adam Jones is a modest 7-for-31 overall, but his imprint has been all over this event, driving in the winning run multiple times and making one of the great homer-robbing catches of our time. Puerto Rico's Reymond Fuentes is 2-for-16 with seven strikeouts.

Big advantage: U.S.
Adam Jones runs to the center-field wall, leaps and robs his O's teammate Manny Machado of a possible homer, who tips his cap out of respect


Right field

Eddie Rosario has soaked up the majority of at-bats for Puerto Rico in right, and his 6-for-17 showing at the plate (with three extra-base hits and the game-winning sac fly in the semis) combine with his defensive ability to show why he's an underrated asset for the Twins. But do you take that over Giancarlo Stanton's ability to hit one to the San Gabriel Mountains or the former National League MVP Award winner Andrew McCutchen (either of whom could start Wednesday). We'll take overall track record here.

Slight edge: U.S.

Designated hitter

Carlos Beltran is a certainty for the Puerto Rican lineup, and though we're not exactly sure if that blonde beard suits him, the 10-for-21 showing at the plate definitely does. Leyland can handle his DH spot a lot of different ways, with Stanton, Posey, Goldschmidt and Murphy among the many options. But no matter who it is, Beltran has done enough on the big stage in his life (remember, he has a 1.078 OPS in 55 career postseason games) to earn this edge.

Advantage: Puerto Rico

Starting pitcher

When Lugo and Stroman opposed each other on St. Patrick's Day in Pool F play, Stroman blinked first in a four-run first inning sparked by six straight singles. Stroman settled in and got 12 straight outs at one point, but Lugo, with three runs allowed on five hits in 5 2/3 innings, was simply better that night. Lugo's elite spin rate is a strength, and he's got a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings in this tournament. Stroman got singled to death that night, but he was masterful in the opening round against that ridiculous Dominican Republic lineup (4 2/3 scoreless).

Slight edge: U.S.
Marcus Stroman tosses 4 2/3 scoreless innings against the Dominican Republic while allowing three hits and striking out four

Bullpen

Without knowing the exact availabilities on the U.S. squad given the back-to-back days, it's hard to know which way to lean here. But the schedule itself is an obvious advantage to a more-rested Puerto Rico squad, and closer Edwin Diaz will be available to Rodriguez despite pitching two innings against the Netherlands on Monday night.

Slight edge: Puerto Rico

USA has relief in sight for Classic final vs. PR

LOS ANGELES -- The United States made it to the World Baseball Classic final by beating Japan, 2-1, on Tuesday, but Team USA manager Jim Leyland needed to use six of his 10 relief pitchers to get the job done. With a quick turnaround to tonight's championship game vs. Puerto Rico at Dodger Stadium, with Team USA -- as the road team -- starting Marcus Stroman vs. Seth Lugo at 9 p.m. ET on MLB Network and MLB.TV, the question of bullpen availability popped right up. In fact, one of the first things Leyland said after the game was that he'd already received text messages from Major League pitching coaches giving their blessings to use their guys to win a title. "I think we're in good shape," said Leyland, who followed starter Tanner Roark's four innings in Tuesday's game with relievers Nate Jones, Andrew Miller, Sam Dyson, Mark Melancon, Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson. "But I'll get a total OK. I'll get that confirmed, for sure, at some point later tonight or tomorrow, just to make sure. We haven't done anything foolish yet, and we're not going to do anything foolish tomorrow."
Crawford's misread could have been costly
Japan bobble lets in winning run after US baserunning gaffe

Brandon Crawford had a bit of atoning to do as he sprinted home with the game-winning run in Team USA's 2-1 win against Japan in the World Baseball Classic semifinals on Tuesday night.
After what could have been a costly gaffe committed the play before, Crawford needed some good fortune to score the deciding run on Adam Jones' groundout to third, which he did after the ball was bobbled by Nobuhiro Matsuda.
Gregerson represents USA, late dad with pride

LOS ANGELES -- With a one-run elimination game on the line in the ninth inning, Team USA turned to Luke Gregerson to deliver the final three outs against Japan. Gregerson did just that, retiring the side on seven pitches and securing the United States' place in its first World Baseball Classic championship game in a 2-1 victory on Tuesday. Now, Gregerson and his teammates will play for a Classic crown. The Americans will be the road team against Puerto Rico here on Wednesday night at 9 ET on MLB Network and MLB.TV., with right-hander Marcus Stroman starting for Team USA against Puerto Rico righty Seth Lugo. And Gregerson did so while wearing No. 18 across his jersey, a number of special significance to Gregerson and his family. The Astros reliever is competing in this tournament for more than national pride or an opportunity to take on elite talent from all over the baseball world. He's honoring his late father Duke's memory. "Wearing his number out there, the number he wore when his was playing softball his whole entire career, there's not a second that goes by that I don't think about that," Gregerson said.
Undaunted Americans ready to have final say

LOS ANGELES -- No matter your rooting interest, World Baseball Classic games this year have not been for the faint of heart. And so it was again at Dodger Stadium in a persistent drizzle and mist on Tuesday night. Team USA survived this one in another game that came down to the final pitch, defeating previously undefeated Japan, 2-1, on a pair of misplayed grounders that led to both American runs. The Americans are in the title game for the first time in four Classics against 7-0 Puerto Rico tonight in a 9 ET start that will be broadcast live on MLB Network and MLB.TV.
It'll be Marcus Stroman on the mound for the U.S. against Seth Lugo for Puerto Rico. And USA manager Jim Leyland promised only one change in the lineup: flipping Jonathan Lucroy in place of Buster Posey behind the plate as he has done every game throughout the tournament. Do you believe in miracles? Those were the words of Al Michaels in 1980, when a group of amateur American hockey players stunned the Soviet Union in the penultimate game of the medal round and went on to win the Olympic gold medal. The fact that the U.S. must wade through a pair of teams in the Championship Round with a combined record of 13-0 (Japan and Puerto Rico) this month is no small feat or miracle. "It means a heck of a lot to be going to the championship game. It's been really good, been a lot of fun," U.S. and Pirates right fielder Andrew McCutchen said. "We've got a great group of guys on this team, who have dedicated this time to be able to try and win some ballgames. Sacrifices had to be made, and there are no egos when that door opens. But just being in this position, I'm looking forward to tomorrow. It's a first, so I'm just happy to be a part of that."

Well! I'll be cheering on Team Puerto Rico tonight. I just love that team. I like everything about them. I like their enthusiasm, love for the game, unique sets of skills, and just the way they play the game. It's a cliche but, they play the game the "right" way. As far as our Cleveland representatives, Lindor (of course) has been solid on offense and defense. Jose Colon has been masterful in his brief appearance against the USA, DR, and Netherlands. Roberto Perez has only seen action in 4 games ( 1 start) but he played well behind the plate and had a solid base hit when he went 1-3 against Venezuela. I don't know if you've seen any of the games, but that infield of Molina, Rivera, Baez, Lindor, and Correa have been magical to watch. Such an exciting, young team. I think if this becomes a game of bull pens, the USA should win this one. If PR can score early, they have a chance. Either way, this one should be a lot of fun to watch.

Technically, since Puerto Rico is an unincorporated US territory, it's an all US final.

Yelich becoming household name at Classic

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The big stage is all that was needed for Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich to gain widespread attention. Yelich has been a standout performer, playing left field and batting third for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, which concludes at 9 p.m. ET in a final between the U.S. and Puerto Rico (MLB.TV or MLB Network). Marlins manager Don Mattingly is not surprised by Yelich's success playing alongside a cast of stars. The 25-year-old is 7-for-24 (.292) with six runs, three doubles and two RBIs in seven games. "He doesn't get the attention because the Marlins really haven't been in contention," Mattingly said, "so you're not going to pay attention to the guys down the stretch. I think last year, it was a little bit closer to a playoff run. I think the WBC is good for him, just to see him. He's kind of an everyday guy. If you see him every day, you appreciate what Yelly can do."
Machado savors World Baseball Classic run
Orioles 3B returns to camp, looks forward to next tournament in 2021

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Manny Machado is back from the World Baseball Classic, and he had a delightful time playing for the Dominican Republic. "It's fun to be back and be back with the guys and get ready for the season. It was an exciting time at the World Baseball Classic and something I'll never forget," Machado said. "It was a great experience; great memories taken from that. But now I'm excited to get back and try to create some new ones this year with the team that we've got here."
Manfred, Clark see 'amazing' Classic only gaining momentum

LOS ANGELES -- The top executives of Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association conducted a joint news conference at Dodger Stadium an hour before the United States took on Puerto Rico in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday, and they were asked for their opinions on this year's installment of the tournament. Both MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and MLBPA executive director Tony Clark raved about the global event and said they were already anticipating the next one, which will likely be in 2021. "I can't tell you how pleased I am, and I'm sure Tony feels the same way, about the way this event has gone," Manfred said. "I was thinking about it on the way over here. You have rosters literally overflowing with the best players in the world. We've had crowds that not only were record crowds but had passion that -- it's hard to think where you saw something that good the last time. I mean, just really amazing." Clark agreed, pointing out that the quality of play that has been on display throughout the three rounds and among the 16 clubs has been outstanding -- more compelling than the level of competition typically seen in mid-March.
Archer says Classic energized him for season
Rays right-hander preparing for possible Opening Day start

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Rays starter Chris Archer would have liked to join his teammates from Team USA as they moved on to play Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic championship game on Wednesday night. Archer, however, had to focus on his other team, as he prepares to take the mound on Opening Day of the regular season for the Tampa Bay Rays. Manager Kevin Cash hasn't officially named Archer the starter, but the All-Star righty is in line to have his turn on the mound when the Rays host the Yankees on April 2.

Kinsler gets US going with homer vs. PR

LOS ANGELES -- Ian Kinsler jumped-started the United States' offense with a two-run home run in Wednesday's World Baseball Classic final against Puerto Rico. Making his second trip to the plate against Puerto Rican starter Seth Lugo, Kinsler belted a 91-mph fastball into the left-center-field stands, putting Team USA ahead, 2-0, in the third. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy got the inning started with a leadoff single, and Kinsler brought him home.
PR's Lugo not sharp in final against US

Seth Lugo took the mound for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic final against the United States on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium, looking to put his team in position for its first Classic title after falling just short in 2013. The 27-year-old Mets right-hander struggled to keep the U.S. bats in check, however, going four-plus innings, giving up four runs on five hits, while walking four and striking out seven.
Nearly unhittable Stroman has final touch

LOS ANGELES -- Marcus Stroman dazzled for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic championship game Wednesday night, stifling a Puerto Rican lineup that had slugged its way through the tournament with a plus-37 run differential and a perfect 7-0 record. The Blue Jays right-hander carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning, but it was broken up on a leadoff double by Puerto Rico's Angel Pagan. Stroman exited to a standing ovation from the 51,565 fans in attendance at Dodger Stadium after throwing 73 pitches, shy of the third-round maximum of 95.
American duty: USA wins 1st Classic title

LOS ANGELES -- The stars of American baseball have finally earned their World Baseball Classic stripes. The United States got a brilliant pitching performance from starter Marcus Stroman and enough offense from its All-Star-packed lineup of Major League luminaries to beat Puerto Rico, 8-0, in the championship game of the 2017 Classic on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. After three World Baseball Classics dating back to the inaugural tournament in 2006 in which Team USA never made it past the semifinals, the Americans won their first title in decisive style in front of a raucous, bipartisan crowd of 51,565 in Chavez Ravine.

PHOTO GALLERY USA 8 PUERTO RICO 0

David Robertson gets Carlos Correa to ground out to end the game, sealing Team USA's 2017 World Baseball Classic championship

American duty: USA wins 1st Classic title

LOS ANGELES -- The stars of American baseball have finally earned their World Baseball Classic stripes.

The United States got a brilliant pitching performance from starter and WBC 2017 MVP Marcus Stroman and enough offense from its All-Star-packed lineup of Major League luminaries to beat Puerto Rico, 8-0, in the championship game of the 2017 Classic on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.

"That was fun," Stroman said on MLB Network after the game. "You can't beat this atmosphere in here. Honestly, it feels like the playoffs, maybe even more so. When you're pitching with your country across your chest, you feel that pride every time you're out there. So a huge shout to my team, my defense behind me, that contributed to this win today."

After three World Baseball Classics dating back to the inaugural tournament in 2006 in which Team USA never made it past the semifinals, the Americans won their first title in decisive style in front of a raucous, bipartisan crowd of 51,565 in Chavez Ravine.

Stroman took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and had faced the minimum number of batters until Angel Pagan led off with a double, and the Blue Jays right-hander was pulled from the game by U.S. manager Jim Leyland. Stroman gave up one hit in six-plus innings and did it in an economical 73 pitches on a night for which his limit was 95.
Angel Pagan slices a double into the left-field corner, collecting Puerto Rico's first hit in the top of the 7th inning

Ian Kinsler got the scoring started in the third inning against Puerto Rico starter Seth Lugo. After Jonathan Lucroy led off the inning with a single, Kinsler hit a two-run home run that cleared the left-center-field wall over the head of Enrique Hernandez.

Team USA added two runs in the fifth on RBI singles by Christian Yelich and Andrew McCutchen and padded the lead in the seventh, batting around for three runs on three hits, two walks and a hit batter. Brandon Crawford had the big hit -- a two-out, two-RBI single -- and Giancarlo Stanton followed with an RBI knock of his own.
Christian Yelich lines a single to right field, plating a run to put Team USA up 3-0 and force opposing starter Seth Lugo out of the game

The Americans added their eighth run in the eighth, and Leyland called on David Robertson to finish out the ninth. Robertson preserved the shutout with a scoreless inning and Team USA celebrated on the pitcher's mound.

The U.S. finished the tournament with a record of 6-2 after handing a passionate and memorable Puerto Rico team its only defeat in the 2017 Classic. The Puerto Ricans, who finished this Classic with a 7-1 record, have now been shut out in the final game of the past two World Baseball Classics, having dropped a 3-0 decision in the 2013 championship game against the Dominican Republic.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Kinsler connects: Kinsler's homer was his first of the entire tournament, and it came at a crucial time, with both teams failing to hit balls particularly hard in the first two innings. Kinsler got the crowd into the game and gave Stroman the early support he was looking for while getting to Lugo, who looked sharp in the opening frames.
Ian Kinsler clobbers a two-run homer over the left-center-field wall to open the scoring in the top of the 3rd inning

Insurance in the fifth: Not that they necessarily needed it with a 2-0 lead and with Stroman in full domination mode, but the Americans put together a scrappy situational inning of offense in the top of the fifth to effectively put away the game.

Yelich's RBI single chased Lugo, and three batters later, McCutchen's ground ball went far enough into the hole between third and shortstop for Francisco Lindor's throw to come in too late and for Yelich to score Team USA's fourth run.
Despite Francisco Lindor's fantastic diving effort, Andrew McCutchen reaches safely on an infield single, plating Christian Yelich

An all-Crawford inning: Stroman cruised into the fifth inning having not allowed a hit and facing the minimum number of batters. His sixth inning continued in much the same way as the first five, with quick ground-ball outs. And it didn't hurt his cause that his shortstop, reigning National League Gold Glove Award winner Crawford, fielded all three groundouts in the fifth.
Marcus Stroman limits Puerto Rico to one hit over six-plus innings, departing to a thunderous ovation in the World Baseball Classic final

Stroman takes a bow: The main question regarding Team USA's spectacular starter on Wednesday was how far he could take his no-no and if he would have to be pulled because of his pitch limit in the midst of possibly making history. The fifth pitch of Pagan's at-bat in the seventh erased that storyline, and Leyland immediately popped out of the dugout to sensibly end Stroman's night. Stroman exited the field to a standing ovation and pounded his glove in excitement before descending the dugout steps.

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

In the top of the second inning, with Eric Hosmer on first base and one out, Crawford lined out to Lindor, who threw back to first base for an attempt at an inning-ending double play. Hosmer dove back to the bag and was ruled safe, but Puerto Rico manager Edwin Rodriguez asked for a review. The call stood after a review of 1 minute, 14 seconds.

BOX SCORES

http://m.mlb.com/gameday/united-states- ... 486941#Box

<

What an exciting two weeks of baseball !!

Congratulations to Team USA who survived a couple of scares to win it all.

Team Puerto Rico picked a poor time for the bats to go silent but Stroman pitched extraordinary baseball.

I think this classic fulfilled all expectation from performances on the field to fannies in the stands. 1.25 million fans were in attendance at the various venues. The championship game drew over 51,000 fans. The organizers have to be more than happy with the live attendance plus the millions of fans who watched this series worldwide.

I think the talent of the players on these 16 teams that participated in this classic surprised a lot fans and players alike. Once again, the organizers have to be pleased. Their vision is coming true. Baseball is being spread around the world.

I think the classic was a complete success on all levels. Too bad Adrian Gonzalez couldn't agree.

No truth to the rumor Puerto Rico took a dive for a promise of statehood.

Yadi, Balentien among All-Classic Team standouts along with Hosmer
pair selected unanimously to field of 12 honorees

Following a thrilling World Baseball Classic that culminated in the United States winning its first title thanks to Wednesday's 8-0 win over Puerto Rico, World Baseball Classic, Inc. (WBCI) announced the All-World Baseball Classic Team.

From the champions, tournament Most Valuable Player Marcus Stroman of the Blue Jays (2.35 ERA, six-plus scoreless innings in final), Eric Hosmer of the Royals (unanimous choice) and Christian Yelich of the Marlins were selected. Stroman, as WBC 2017 MVP, joined Japan's Daisuke Matsuzaka ('06 and '09) and the Dominican Republic's Robinson Cano ('13) as MVPs in Classic history.

From Team Puerto Rico, which finished as runner-up for a second consecutive tournament, Yadier Molina of the Cardinals (unanimous choice), Javier Baez of the Cubs, Carlos Correa of the Astros, Francisco Lindor of the Indians and Carlos Beltran of the Astros were selected. Molina became only the second two-time All-WBC honoree, joining Matsuzaka (2006, '09).

From the the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Wladimir Balentien was selected unanimously. Balentien hit .615 with four home runs and 12 RBIs in the tournament.

From Japan, pitcher Kodai Senga made the All-WBC team after posting a 0.82 ERA with 16 strikeouts and one walk in 11 innings.

From the Dominican Republic, Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco earned a selection. Polanco hit .579 with a home run for the D.R., which claimed the 2013 Classic title.

From Israel, a team that made a surprising early run in the Classic, pitcher Josh Zeid earned all-tournament honors with 10 scoreless innings. He struck out 10 and allowed just five hits in that span.

All-World Baseball Classic Team.

Marcus Stroman (MVP) of the Blue Jays

Eric Hosmer of the Royals

Christian Yelich of the Marlins

Yadier Molina of the Cardinals

Javier Baez of the Cubs

Carlos Correa of the Astros

Francisco Lindor of the Indians

Carlos Beltran of the Astros

Wladimir Balentien of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Kodai Senga From Japan

Gregory Polanco of the Pirates

Josh Zeid from Israel