The first game match ups for the second round of the WBC were finalized last night with Cuba's 16-4 thumping of Mexico. The second round begins Saturday in Miami with Venezuela facing Netherlands, and USA taking on Puerto Rico. Then, Sunday in San Diego, Cuba will take on Japan in a rematch of the 2006 final, followed by Korea against Mexico. The top 2 teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals next weekend, with the championship game Monday, March 23. I will be all over it!!
In St. Pete on Thursday, the Rays edged the Phillies 3-2. J.A. Happ pitched 3 more good innings, giving up just 1 run on a home run by Gabe Kapler. Happ gave up 4 hits total, walked 1, struck out 1, and picked off a runner. He has thrown 11 innings so far this spring and is, in my opinion, the most effective of the pitchers who are competing for the #5 spot in the Philadelphia rotation. Ryan Howard was 0 for 2, but drove in a run with a sac fly, Jason Donald was 0 for 2, with a walk, and Lou Marson struck out in his only at bat.
Out west in Arizona, the Athletics defeated the Diamondbacks, 6-1. Gio Gonzalez pitched 2 scoreless innings for the A's, facing 7 hitters, striking out 4, and walking 1. Josh Outman also threw 2 scoreless frames, despite giving up 2 hits and 3 walks . I believe they are both still in the running for the available spot in the Oakland rotation. Chris Roberson was 0 for 1 for the D-backs. Greg Golson was 0 for 1 in relief of Josh Hamilton in Texas' 9-1 stomping of Seattle.
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