The World Baseball Classic is always a way for baseball fans to experience exciting baseball before the start of the regular season. As baseball fans, we love to experience iconic moments in this tournament that only happens every four years, last night’s USA vs Venezuela game was no different. We all know what happened. Trea Turner came up to the plate with bases loaded and down 5-7. At the end of his at-bat, Turner was met at the plate with his teammates fired up, as he hit a grand slam to put Team USA ahead 9-7.
Heading into this game, Venezuela was a team that USA had to make sure they kept under control. Venezuela was stacked with talent up and down their lineup, their pitching staff was no different. Venezuela had USA against their backs as they skyrocketed in the 5th inning.
The 5th inning was were we witness USA’s David Bard spiral out of control. USA held a 5-2 lead and was looking to keep it just that. After loading the bases with no outs, Bard threw a wild pitch which allowed a run to score.
Jason Adam came in from the bullpen and did what he could. In a situation as Adam faced, USA wasn’t in the best position. After a Arráez’ ground out, a Pérez’ double, and a Acuña’ sac-fly USA left the 5th inning down 6-5.
Team USA’s deficit increased after a solo shot by Luis Arráez which put Team Venezuela lead up to 7-5.
USA’s pitching was always a big question heading into the WBC. Losing players like Clayton Kershaw, Nestor Cortes Jr., and Logan Webb put them in a disadvantage. However, this is a team nobody can count out with their star-studded lineup. Last night, proved that perfectly.
Trea Turner’s grand slam turned loanDepot Park as well as many households upside down. It was an instant classic and propelled Team USA to the semifinals where they will play Team Cuba later on tonight.
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