World Baseball Classic

Matthew Bradford, Business Manager

On March 22, Team USA completed their first ever championship run in the World Baseball Classic defeating Puerto Rico in the final 8-0. USA pitcher Marcus Stroman took a no hitter to the 7th inning before giving up a hit to Angel Pagan.

USA leadoff hitter Ian Kinsler went 2-5 with 2 runs and a home run while Puerto Rico leadoff hitter Pagan finished 2-4 as the only player from Puerto Rico to have multiple hits in the game although Puerto Rico boasted one of the most feared lineups in the whole tournament.

The Team USA starting rotation consisting of Stroman, Chris Archer, Danny Duffy, Tanner Roark, and Drew Smyly pitched to a combined 1.25 ERA throughout the whole tournament while relievers Sam Dyson, Pat Neshek, and Luke Gregerson pitched to a combined 0.00 ERA and only giving up 4 hits in a combined 15 innings.

Hitters from Team USA who carried the team were shortstop Brandon Crawford and first baseman Eric Hosmer who had 10 hits and 26 at bats each while left fielder Christian Yelich led the team with 4 doubles and 7 runs.

The next World Baseball Classic is slated to be in 2021, a year after the Olympics are held in Japan.