WBC Wrap: Italy rallies past Mexico

Share

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run double in the ninth inning and closer Jason Grilli escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom half of the frame to help Italy beat Mexico 6-5 in Thursday's opening game of Pool D in the World Baseball Classic.

Mexico closer Sergio Romo (0-1) entered to a loud ovation, but gave up three hits, the last a fly ball by Rizzo to the warning track in left field that outfielder Edgar Gonzalez couldn't handle in the sunlight at Salt River Fields.

Grilli gave up a single, a walk and a hit-by-pitch, but closed out the game by getting Jorge Cantu on a ground out.

Nick Pugliese (1-0) allowed no hits in 1 2-3 innings to take the win.

Dominican Republic tops Venezuela
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Jose Reyes had four hits, Robinson Cano drove in three runs and the Dominican Republic beat Venezuela 9-3 on Thursday night in the World Baseball Classic.

In the first game of Group C play, Hanley Ramirez homered and Cano doubled twice to help the Dominicans get off to a strong start in a first-round pool that also includes Puerto Rico and Spain.

Nelson Cruz and Alejandro De Aza each drove in two runs. Venezuela starter Anibal Sanchez faced seven batters and got only one out.

Venezuela slugger Miguel Cabrera went 0 for 4 with a walk and stranded three runners in a game that took 3 hours, 55 minutes -- not including a 50-minute rain delay.

The Dominican Republic scored five runs in the first two innings and sealed it with three in the seventh.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Contact Us