The U. S. team The U. S. defeated Colombia to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic in a big game through Mike Trout. (0:46)
PHOENIX (AP) — Team USA The U. S. reaches the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic with a 3-2 victory over Colombia on Wednesday, tying Mexico in Group C.
The United States will face Venezuela in Miami on Saturday after the latter qualified with a 4-0 record.
The U. S. team The U. S. led through stars Mookie Betts and Mike Trout in the decisive victory. They combined to go 5-on-8, with Betts scoring twice and Trout leading all 3 innings.
The two got rid of the spring rust to propel their team into the next round.
“I just think he’s one of the most productive players of all time,” the U. S. team coach said. U. S. Secretary of State Mark DeRosa on Trout afterwards.
Trout is the first U. S. player to have a three-hit, three-point game since DeRosa faced Venezuela in 2009, according to ESPN Stats research.
Trout and Betts expressed how much they laughed betting on Team USA. U. S. officials said the threat of injury was worth it.
“This is the [funniest] delight I’ve ever had in baseball, representing your country,” Trout said. “It’s been great. Being part of that environment means a lot to me. I knew it was going to be divertido. tiempo. No I knew it was going to be so much fun. “
As Betts added, “It’s so much more than having 4 bats on the back court. “
USA. The U. S. had to win or necessarily lose to Colombia by 3 or fewer points to advance. The Americans led 2-1 after 3 innings, but erased that deficit when Trout hit two home runs in the fifth.
Six relievers followed American starter Merrill Kelly, who pitched 3 innings, allowed 4 hits and two runs. The U. S. team’s bullpen U. S. He allowed just two hits in the final six innings and Ryan Pressly earned the save.
DeRosa praised his pen and described pitchers like Devin Williams and David Bednar as in midseason form.
“Everyone has to be amazing,” DeRosa said. It’s player-based. You can spend the whole afternoon and write and plan. They have to execute. “
Mexico and the United States finished 3-1 in the group, but Mexico has become the most sensible seed by beating Team USA. U. S. on Sunday. Mexico will face Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals on Friday.
The United States defeated Great Britain, Canada and Colombia in the first round.