Bay Area Baseball

Following numerous choke attempts from Padre closer Heath Bell, Dodger closer Jon Broxton and Shortstop Derek Jeter the United States came back in the bottom of the ninth inning against Puerto Rico last night to advance to the semi finals. Bell and Broxton each looked sloppy in giving up solo runs to Puerto Rico and spotting them a two run lead. Jeter butchered yet another ball allowing Alex Rios to score from second. Jeter’s terrible range is really starting to hurt the US and it would be crazy to not feature Jimmy Rollins at the position for the remainder of the tournament.

Shane Victorino and Brian Roberts came up clutch for the USA, really applying the pressure on convicted cheat JC Romero by reaching to start the ninth. In a bizzare managerial decision by Jose Oquendo Romero took the mound in the last inning to face a barrage of right handed and switch hitters. He faired poorly and took the loss. Close call for the American team which will need a big outing from it’s starters for a change if they are to have a chance at winning this tournament. Too bad the best American pitchers are in spring training and not with the team.

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