|
Friday, 17 March 2006 |
US team knocked out of World Baseball Classic by Mexico
The American baseball team have been knocked out of the inaugural World
Baseball Classic following a 2-1 defeat by Mexico in their final pool
game in the World Cup-style event.
The US baseball team managed only three hits in Anaheim and their claim to be the top baseball nation was ruined.
The Americans fielded a crop of Major League stars, including veteran pitcher Roger Clemens.
America's defeat came as a terrible blow to the nation that created the
game, produces most of the world's top players and considers the sport
a national pastime.
The impressive sounding line-up of future Hall of Famers and All-Stars
never found their form in the 16-nation contest, and lost three of
their six games.
Mexico held their rivals' batsmen to just three hits off eight
pitchers, which left American coach Buck Martinez to pick up the
pieces.
Buck Martinez said: "There was a lot said about Team USA not taking this seriously.
"But I can guarantee you there are a lot of guys hurting in the
clubhouse right now. We just never got into the groove with the bats."
Japan were the main side to benefit from America's embarrassing defeat as they took the final semi-final berth.
Japan, Mexico and the US finished the second group stage tied on one
win and two losses each, but the Japanese team went forward due to
their better scoring over the course of the three matches.
Comment on this article
Leave your comments (Show/Hide Form)
Other Visitors Comments
There are no comments currently....
|
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 23 March 2006 )
|
Baseball 
