On Tuesday, the exhibition schedule before the start of the 2009 World Baseball Classic heated up, as some of the participating teams took on Major League clubs in Florida.
Washington Nationals – Italy 9-6
ITA 000 000 231 6 9 0 WAS 004 110 003 9 14 0
Of all players on the Nationals roster it was Roger Bernadina, who destroyed the hopes of the Italian team for a surprise with a three-run walk-off homerun in the bottom of the ninth against Cody Cillo leading his team to a 9-6 victory. Bernadina was on the provisional roster of the Dutch National Team, but decided to stay in Spring Training camp with Washington. Shairon Martis, who made a similar decision, pitched three strong innings in relief, allowing two hits and a base on balls.
The Nats started strong, taking a 6-0 advantage after five innings mainly through Elijah Dukes and his two-run triple in a four-run third and his solo shot in the fifth. But Italy came back. They scored six runs in the last three frames to erase the deficit, trying to win their second game, since arriving in the United States. Valentino Pascucci hit a two-run homerun and scored twice to lead the offense. Leonardo Zileri also had two runs.
For the first time Italy had the Major Leaguers Nick Punto, Frank Catalanotto and Chris Denorfia in the lineup. Also debuting for the team this spring were Minor Leaguers Pascucci, Vinny Rottino and Francisco Cervelli. Big league pitchers Mark DiFelice, who got the start, Jason Grilli and Lenny DiNardo got some work in too. Washington countered with proven starter John Lannan, who gave up just a hit and a walk in three innings.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Netherlands 5-4
NED 100 110 001 4 13 1 PIT 202 000 01X 5 6 2
The Netherlands lost their first test against a Major League club, as the Pirates won 5-4. The Dutch team scored first, taking a fast 1-0 lead in the opening frame. However Pittsburgh countered with two runs in the bottom of the period and two more in the third to build up a three-run gap. The Europeans rallied and cut the deficit to a run, but a fifth Pirates score in the eighth sealed the win, despite a late comeback try by the Netherlands in the top of the ninth.
The two top prospects of the Dutch squad, Gregory Halman and Hainley Statia, who had joined their teammates just a few days before, were able to do the most damage against Pittsburgh. Seattle’s Halman went two-for-three with a solo homerun against Denny Bautista. Los Angeles Angel Statia reached base on three occasions (2-2, BB), had a sac hit and scored twice. Former Major Leaguer Randall Simon had three hits and two RBI.
Sidney Ponson started for the Netherlands, giving up five hits, four runs and four bb in three innings, striking out three. He is expected to start in the World Baseball Classic opener next Saturday against the Dominican Republic. Rob Cordemans, Dennis Neuman and Diegomar Markwell followed with four scoreless innings of relief, before Michiel van Kampen gave up a solo shot to Jeff Salazar.
Other games between 2009 World Baseball Classic teams and Major League clubs:
Toronto Blue Jays – Canada 4-6 Box score
Designated hitter Corey Koskie didn’t show any signs of rust after one and a half years layoff due to an injury, scoring three runs for Canada. Scott Richmond got the start in preparation for a Saturday assignment against Team USA, giving up four hits, two runs and a walk.
Florida Marlins – Dominican Republic 1-10 Box score
The powerful Dominican offense showed a glimpse of their potential in a 10-1 rout against the Florida Marlins. Jose Bautista had four of the 19 hits. Alejandro De Aza hit a two-run homerun. Jose Reyes got the start at short, Hanley Ramirez was the DH, and Miguel Tejada was a defensive replacement of Alex Rodriguez (1-3) at the hot corner. Edinson Volquez allowed an only a solo homerun by Jeremy Hermida in two innings of work.
Atlanta Braves – Panama 11-2 Box score
Panama’s starter Bruce Chen gave up four runs on four hits and two walks in 1 2/3 innings.
Minnesota Twins – Puerto Rico 3-2 Box score
Ian Snell allowed just one hit in three strong innings for Puerto Rico. Mike Aviles and Ramon Vazquez drove in runs.
New York Yankees – Team USA 5-6 Box score
Derek Jeter played the complete game against his regular team and went two-for-four with a walk, a run scored and two RBI. Kevin Youkilis also had two RBI. Team USA starter Roy Oswalt gave up four hits, a run and a bb in 3 1/3 innings. Heath Bell, who replaces the injured Joe Nathan on the World Baseball Classic roster, struck out the side in the seventh.
Detroit Tigers – Venezuela 7-5 Box score
Miguel Cabrera and Endy Chavez each had two RBI for Venezuela. Armando Galarraga pitched three solid innings against his employer, inducing two hits, an unearned run and a walk. Relievers Victor Zambrano and Jan Granado struggled, allowing four hits, six runs (3 ER) and four walks in just three innings.
