Thanks to a Marcus Stroman gem on the mound and just about everyone on Team USA contributing at the plate, the United States destroyed Puerto Rico 8-0 to capture their first World Baseball Classic title.
Ian Kinsler‘s two-run home run in the third is all Stroman needed as the Blue Jays ace had a no-hitter going through six innings. He finished giving up one hit before giving up the baseball to Sam Dyson in the seventh.
Andrew McCutchen and Brandon Crawford also had two RBIs each as every starter in the U.S. lineup registered at least one hit besides Adam Jones.
It was a remarkable win for the United States who were able to contain a Puerto Rican team that was undefeated in WBC play up until last night. The win also helped take away from Kinsler’s comments prior to the Championship Game. I’m sure afterwards he drank some warm milk and went right to bed.
Meanwhile, U.S. manager Jim Leyland dedicated the win to all the men and women who serve.
“I had the honor of managing for our country. The coaches had the honor of coaching for our country. The players had the honor of playing for our country,” Leyland said. “But this is really about the men and women that serve our country. That’s who this is for.”
