TORONTO — Henry Blanco homered and made a key throw in the ninth inning as Venezuela beat the United States 5-3 on Wednesday night to win Group C at the World Baseball Classic.
Gregor Blanco added three hits for Venezuela, which avenged a 15-6 loss to the Americans on Sunday night. Both teams are headed to the second round of the tournament in Miami, where the U.S. will open against Group D winner Puerto Rico on Saturday night.
Venezuela will face a surprising Netherlands team earlier in the day.
Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning but Team USA couldn’t finish the comeback in the ninth.
Jimmy Rollins walked and Derek Jeter reached on a one-out error by third baseman Luis Maza. With cleanup hitter Kevin Youkilis at the plate, the United States tried a double steal and Blanco’s strong throw cut down Jeter — the trail runner — at second base.
“It was a perfect throw but I can’t get thrown out in that situation, not the tying run,” Jeter said. “We tried to be aggressive. I had an idea that Jimmy was going to go. That can’t happen, whether it was a perfect throw or not.”
Francisco Rodriguez wrapped up the save by striking out Youkilis.
Victor Zambrano allowed one run and three hits in 3 2/3 innings to earn the win before a crowd of 12,358. He walked two and struck out one.
Baltimore right-hander Jeremy Guthrie was the loser, giving up four runs and seven hits in two-plus innings. He walked two and struck out two.
Mexico 16, Australia 1
MEXICO CITY — Karim Garcia went 4-for-4 and his second homer capped a four-run sixth inning that evoked the mercy rule and elimination of Australia.
Puerto Rico 5, Netherlands 0
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Alex Rios hit an RBI triple and Puerto Rico (3-0) went undefeated in the first round.
The Associated Press
