TUCSON — The magnitude of the World Baseball Classic has hit Chris Iannetta like a Fourth of July fireworks display.
“It was special just to put on the uniform, but I really felt it when I hit a double (against Venezuela) and I could hear the crowd shouting, ‘U.S.A., U.S.A.,’ ” the Rockies catcher said Friday in a phone interview from Miami. “That’s when you know you’re playing for your country.”
In the early going of the WBC, Iannetta has posted star-spangled numbers. In two games, he has gone 3-for-4 with a homer, a double, six RBIs and three walks.
Braves catcher Brian McCann is expected to start tonight’s game when Team USA takes on Puerto Rico at Dolphin Stadium in second-round pool play.
Iannetta will catch the next game, either Sunday or Monday.
Rockies pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez, who starred for a powerful Dominican Republic team that was ousted from the tournament by the Netherlands, said Friday that the WBC experience will make him a better player.
“It’s very intense, like being in the World Series,” Jimenez said upon rejoining the Rockies. “Representing your country means everything. The major leagues have the World Series, but besides that, this is the best thing.”
Iannetta agreed that the intensity level is a few notches higher than normal March games.
“I think it’s equivalent to being in the playoffs,” he said. “It’s really been great to experience this.”
He also thinks he’ll be well-prepared for his return to the Rockies.
“Early in spring training, my timing was a little off, but when I started playing in the exhibition games for the WBC, I slowed things down some,” he said. “I’ve had to adjust to more than just fastballs, so I’ve kind of got into a rhythm now.”
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle believes Iannetta will be helped by his WBC experience.
“I think it goes along the lines with what Ubaldo has done,” Hurdle said. “It’s another step, another confidence-builder. To handle the quality of that (WBC) staff, to learn quick — all of it is good.”
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
Rockies Recap
At the plate
Colorado’s bats cooled considerably, though catcher Yorvit Torrealba continues his productive spring. He went 2-for-3, with two solid singles, boosting his average to .348.
On the mound
Hard-throwing righty Juan Morillo needed just nine pitches in a scoreless fifth. Morillo, who is out of options, is making a strong bid for a bullpen spot.
In the field
First baseman Todd Helton showed nimbleness around the bag in the third inning, making an option-style pitch to Greg Reynolds covering first.
Up next
The Rockies host the Mariners on Saturday at Hi Corbett Field, with Jason Marquis to start.
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
