Hurting Venezuela Wins Second Straight Seeding Game Over Hurting USA

With both teams shielding regulars with injuries, Team Venezuela jumped out to a huge lead early and held on for a 10-6 victory over the United States in the semifinal seeding game.

Team USA started Orioles pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, who hadn't pitched a live game in a week. It showed as he was lit up in the second inning for six runs, coming on three doubles, three singles and an error. Henry Blanco had a two-run double and That erased an early 1-0 lead for the United States.

Team USA tacked on two runs in the third and fourth innings, but left five men on base in those innings. Venezuela added a run in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI single by Miguel Cabrera.

Mark DeRosa had a two-run shot in the fifth and David Wright an RBI groundout in the sixth to close the gap to 7-6. Rangers prospect Max Ramirez restored the cushion with a two-out, three-run home run off of LaTroy Hawkins and both teams pitching made the score hold up.

The winner of tonight's Japan-South Korea game plays the United Sates in the semifinals while the loser plays Venezuela.

W - Armando Galarraga (1-0)
L - Jeremy Guthrie (0-1)
HR - USA - Mark DeRosa (1)
VEN - Max Ramirez (1)

Hanson Impresses Again, Braves Beat Mets

Tommy Hanson's only mistake was allowing a two-run home run to Fernando Tatis in the first inning. Mets starter Livan Hernandez allowed just one run in five innings of work, outpitching Braves prospect Tommy Hanson. However, the Braves teed off on Freddy Garcia and cruised to a 7-4 win.

Hanson allowed a two-run homer to Fernando Tatis in the first inning and escaped trouble otherwise. He pitched four innings and allowed three hits and two walks; he struck out three Mets.

Livan Hernandez helped his case for a starting rotation spot for the Mets, going five innings and giving up just one run on five hits. He walked none and struck out three.

After Freddy Garcia entered the game, the Braves struck. They pounded the pitcher for seven hits and five runs in two innings, including a three-run shot by third baseman Martin Prado. The Mets didn't get back on the board until the ninth inning, with two runs off of Zach Schreiber, but by then, it was too late.

Jordan Schafer, further making his case to be in the starting lineup for Opening Day, went 3-5 with an run and RBI. Brandon Jones went 3-4 and drove in a run. Kelly Johnson went 2-3 with a double and a run scored. Martin Prado added a double to his three-run homer; he scored two runs as well.

Andy Green drove in the two runs in the ninth with a home run off of Schreiber. In addition to his home run, Tatis walked twice.

Blaine Boyer tossed two scoreless innings for the Braves and earned the win. Eric O'Flaherty pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless ball and Rafael Cruz chipped in with the other 1/3 of an inning.

Javier Vazquez will start tonight for the Braves against the Tigers.

W - Blaine Boyer (1-0)
L - Freddy Garcia (0-3)
HR - ATL - Martin Prado (1)
NYM - Fernando Tatis (2)
Andy Green (2)

Wright Lifts Team USA To WBC Semifinals In Walk-Off Fashion

When David Wright's flair landed in fair territory in right, Team USA was able to put the past behind them and ushered in a chance for a title. The United States scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to overcome Puerto Rico and claim a 6-5 victory.

The events leading up to the game were not plesant; Team USA had to deal with being three men short for the game. Chipper Jones had to return to the Braves, Ryan Braun was scratched due to a strained ribcage muscle and Matt Lindstrom injured his right rotator cuff in the last game.

Ted Lilly started for the United States while Johnathan Sanchez started for Puerto Rico. Sanchez didn't make it out of the third inning and Lilly only pitched into the fourth.

Right fielder Alex Rios opened the scoring with a solo home run in the second inning. The United States countered in the bottom of the inning when with two men on, Brian McCann hit a sacrifice fly to left field where Wright made a headfirst slide to avoid the diving tag of catcher Geovany Soto. Shane Victorino then chased home Mark DeRosa to give Team USA the lead. Kevin Youkilis added a solo home run in the third inning to up the lead to 3-1.

Puerto Rico struck back in the fourth. Ivan Rodriguez led off with a walk. After Carlos Beltran struck out, Carlos Delgado launched a deep home run to center field to tie the score. Brian McCann hit a ball to the same spot in the bottom of the inning, but Carlos Beltran tracked the ball down and pulled the ball back in to take away a solo home run from the United States catcher.

Puerto Rico pushed across another run in the sixth. Ivan Rodriguez led off with a walk and moved to second on Beltran's sacrifice. Delgado was intentionally walked to bring up Rios, who singled Rodriguez home.

A bit of controversy occured in the bottom of the seventh. With Shane Victorino on second and Derek Jeter on first with one out, Jimmy Rollins flew out to left field. Rios, the right fielder, threw the ball back in and on a hop, the ball struck Victorino on the leg. It bounced away from the infielders and Victorino was able to take an extra base. The play was rendered moot, though, when Youkilis grounded out.

Team Puerto Rico added another run in the ninth off of Johanthan Broxton. Rios led off with a walk and stole a base. Soto grounded to third and then third baseman Ramon Vazquez singled Rios home.

J. C. Romero, who was brought in to face Brian McCann in the eighth with the tying run in scoring position, continued work into the ninth. Victorino and Brian Roberts hit consecutive singles, then Derek Jeter lined out to right, allowing Victorino to move to third. Rollins coaxed a walk out of Romero and Puerto Rico's closer, Fernando Cabrera, was brought in to try to hold the United States off. Youkilis waited out Cabrera and he got a walk, forcing in a run and bringing the United States one run closer. Cabrera was similarly wild to Wright, going to a 2-1 count against the third baseman. On the fourth pitch, Wright golfed a ball that would have been ball three down the right field line. It landed a few feet inside fair territory and the United States team rushed the field in celebration and dogpiled near second base.

If anyone thinks that the United States players don't care about this tournament enough, that victory celebration should dispel any of those notions.

W - Johnathan Broxton (1-0)
L - J. C. Romero (1-1)
HR - PUR - Alex Rios (1)
Carlos Delgado (2)
USA - Kevin Youkilis (3)


THREE STARS

FIRST STAR
3B David Wright, United States - 3-4, GW 1B, BB, R, 2 RBI

SECOND STAR
RF Alex Rios, Puerto Rico - 2-3, HR, BB, 2 R, 2 RBI

THIRD STAR
CF Shane Victorino, United States - 3-4, R, RBI

Jurrjens Cruises, Braves Defeat Mets

Braves third starter Jair Jurrjens tossed six shutout innings against the Mets, leading the charge for the Braves' 5-1 victory Tuesday.

Jurrjens allowed just four hits in his stint, striking out six Met batters and walking none. Josh Anderson went 2-3 with a home run, scored two runs and drove in two for Atlanta. Brandon Hicks had a two-run single and Martin Prado had an RBI single as well.

David Murphy had a good day for the Mets, going 3-4 with a double. Ryan Church scored the only Mets run with a solo home run.

Tommy Hanson starts for the Mets on Wednesday afternoon.

W - Jair Jurrjens (1-0)
L - Jonathan Niese (0-2)
HR - NYM - Ryan Church (1)
ATL - Josh Anderson (1)

Team USA Lives To Bat Another Day, Ousts Holland

Team USA may have lost Chipper Jones and Dustin Pedroia for the rest of the tourney, but replacement Brian Roberts contributed immediately and teamed with shortstop Jimmy Rollins to pace Team USA to a 9-3 victory.

Rollins drove in four runs with a 2-4 night, including a two-run shot in the second inning, an RBI triple and a sacrifice fly. Brian Roberts reached base in all five of his plate appearances and scored two runs. He had a double and triple in his 3-3 night. Adam Dunn and Ryan Braun each had two hits for Team USA. One of Dunn's hits was a home run to straight-away center field in the sixth inning.

Roy Oswalt started for the United States and pitched four scoreless innings. He allowed five hits and left the bases loaded in the third; he also struck out five hitters and didn't walk a single batter. LaTroy Hawkins, Scot Shields and Johnathan Broxton all had scoreless innings for the United States.

The Netherlands had four players with two hits each; the team matched Team USA in the hit column 12-12. Bryan Engelhardt hit the Netherlands' only home run of the tournament off of Matt Lindstrom in the eighth inning. Because he appeared to admire his home run, Lindstrom threw a foot behind the next batter, Vince Rooi, on the next pitch. The Netherlands' players and coaches, naturally, did not take kindly to this and they came out of the dugout. Things settled down, and no further retaliation occured.

The United States will play another elimination game against Puerto Rico Tuesday evening. The winner will advance to the WBC semifinals with Venezuela. A game will be played with Team Venezuela for seeding purposes, like the previous round.

THREE STARS

FIRST STAR
SS Jimmy Rollins, United States - 2-4, 3B, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI

SECOND STAR
2B Brian Roberts, United States - 3-3, 2B, 3B, 2 R, 2 BB, RBI

THIRD STAR
P Roy Oswalt, United States - 4 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 SO

Braves Bail Out Lowe, Defeat Astros

Houston scored two runs in the second inning and the lead held up until the eighth, when the Braves scored three runs and held on for a 3-2 win.

Geoff Blum and Darin Erstad drove in the runs in the first for the Astros and Brandon Jones drove in two with his double and was driven in by Greg Norton. Erstad and Miguel Tejada had two hits for the Astros and Matt Diaz and Jordan Schafer had two hits for the Braves.

Derek Lowe started for the Braves and allowed four hits and two runs in five innings of work. He walked two and struck out six. Houston starter Jose Capellan pitched 4 2/3 innings and allowed just four hits. He didn't walk anyone and he struck out four batters.

Relievers from both teams didn't allow any runs until Tim Byrdak gave up three runs in the eighth. Rafael Soriano, Jeff Bennett, Peter Moylan and Boone Logan all had scoreless innings for the Braves. Wesley Wright, Felipe Paulino and Danny Graves all held the Braves off the board for the Astros.

W - Peter Moylan (1-0)
L - Tim Byrdak (0-1)
S - Boone Logan (1)

Puerto Rico Lowers the Boom On USA, Wins In Seven

If I may be so bold as to offer a little commentary before the summary: I don't think Jake Peavy has any business pitching for Team USA. His stuff is terrible when he isn't completely ready to pitch.

Now back to our show...

Puerto Rico put on a show for their large fan section in Dolphin Stadium. It was 6-0 after two innings and they added runs until a walk-off two-run single in the 7th completed the 11-1 mercy-rule shortened victory.

Puerto Rico used three singles in the first to plate two runs. Felipe Lopez's two-run shot and consecutive doubles scored four runs. Team USA starter Jake Peavy was done after just those two innings; he allowed the six runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out one.

Team Puerto Rico added runs in the fifth on an RBI double by Ivan Rodriguez that Adam Dunn attempted to catch but completely missed, and four in the seventh, capped off by shortstop Mike Aviles's only hit; the game-ending two-run single landed in front of Dunn in right.

Javier Vazquez started for Puerto Rico and pitched five innings, allowing just four hits and one run, walking none and striking out two batters. The only run scored on an RBI double by Brian McCann in the fifth. Nelson Figueroa, Javier Lopez and Saul Rivera finished the six-hit performance off for Team Puerto Rico.

The United States will face the Netherlands in an elimination game while Puerto Rico will take on Venezuela in the other game.

THREE STARS

FIRST STAR
CF Carlos Beltran, Puerto Rico - 3-3, HR, 3 R, BB, 2 RBI

SECOND STAR
2B Felipe Lopez, Puerto Rico - 2-4, 2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI

THIRD STAR
P Javier Vazquez - W, 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO

Cardinals Win Pitchers' Duel Over Braves

Former Brave farmhand and current Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright and Japanese import Kenshin Kawakami staged a little bit of a pitcher's battle, but the Cardinals squeezed out enough runs to win 2-1.

Wainwright allowed six hits and one run in five innings of work. He didn't walk any batters and he struck out four batters. Kawakami allowed seven hits and two runs in 4 2/3 innings. He walked one batter and struck out one.

Third baseman Martin Prado went 3-3 and drove in the Braves' only run in the fourth. Jeff Francoeur went 2-2 and scored that run. Second baseman Skip Schumaker had two hits for the Cardinals. Albert Pujols and Jason LaRue drove in the runs for the Cardinals.

W - Adam Wainwright (2-1)
L - Kenshin Kawakami (1-2)
S - Josh Kinney (1)

Braves Come From Behind, Run Away From Marlins

The bats came alive for the Braves once again. Four different Braves had two hits and two had two RBIs apiece as Atlanta used a five-run sixth to take the lead over the Marlins and put them on their way to a 9-2 victory.

Center fielder Jordan Schafer had two doubles and scored a run. Jeff Francoeur had two singles and scored two runs. Omar Infante went 2-3 with a home run, scored a run and had two runs batted in. Marvin Freeman also went 2-3 and scored and batted in a run. Shortstop Brandon Hicks had a home run in his only plate appearance.

Tommy Hanson started for Atlanta and allowed two runs in the first inning, one unearned. He allowed just five hits in 4 2/3 innings, walked two and sruck out two. James Parr turned in a perfect 2 1/3 inning stint, striking out four. Francisely Bueno and Mariano Gomez each had scoreless frames.

The Braves play St. Louis tomorrow and Kenshin Kawakami will make his third start against other clubs.

W - Tommy Hanson (2-0)
L - Sean West (1-1)
HR - Omar Infante (1)
Brandon Hicks (1)

Braves Smack Phillies Around, Win By Eight

The Braves scored three in the sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie and Jason Heyward put the icing on the cake with a solo shot in the seventh, giving the final touch to the Braves' 6-2 victory.

The Nationals scored first with Ryan Zimmerman's two-run double in the third inning. The Braves scored two in the fourth and three more in the sixth. Jason Heyward hit his first Grapefruit League home run in the seventh, off of reliever Steven Shell.

Omar Infante, Brandon Jones and Freddie Freeman had two hits. Brandon Jones's two singles drove in two runs, while Infante scored two runs. Freeman also drove in two runs.

Jair Jurrjens allowed two runs in the third inning, but only allowed four hits in four innings. Mike Gonzalez, Buddy Carlyle, Kris Medlen and Jerome Gamble all had scoreless innings.

The Braves play the Marlins next.

W - Buddy Carlyle (2-0)
L - Josh Towers (0-1)
HR - Jason Heyward (1)

Venezuela Avenges Earlier Defeat, Wins Pool C

With Francisco Rodriguez getting Kevin Youkilis to swing through a pitch to end the game and save a 5-3 victory, Venezuela avenged their earlier loss and earned the right to be called Pool C champions.

Venezuela got on the board in the third inning when catcher Henry Blanco led off with a solo home run to left field off of United States starter Ted Lilly. The United States tied the game when Ryan Braun doubled home Derek Jeter in the fourth. However, Brian McCann left the two men on base.

Venezuela re-took the lead in the fifth when Baltimore starter Jeremy Guthrie took the mound. With one out, Henry Blanco doubled. Cesar Izturis struck out, but Gregor Blanco tripled him home. Team Venezuela struck again when Miguel Cabrera led off with a double. Magglio Ordonez walked and was pinch-ran for by Endy Chavez. Carlos Guillen grounded back to Guthrie and the runners moved up a base. With a full count, Marco Scutaro singled home both runners to give Venezuela a 4-1 lead. They added another run in the seventh off of Guthrie when Izturis led off with a double and scored on a single by Melvin Mora after Gregor Blanco singled.

The United States finally scored in the eight when Chris Ianetta blasted a two-out, two-run home run down the left field line to score Adam Dunn and close the gap to two runs.

Venezuela brought out new Mets reliever Francisco Rodriguez to close the game in the ninth. Jimmy Rollins led off with a walk and stole second base. Dustin Pedroia flied out to center. Derek Jeter reached on an error by Luis Maza, who couldn't corral a routine grounder. Davey Johnson then tried a double steal on a 1-2 pitch. The pitch was outside, but Henry Blanco gunned the ball down to second and Scutaro applied the tag to Jeter who was just sliding in. Rodriguez then struck out Youkilis to end the game.

Henry Blanco and Gregor Blanco each had three hits. Henry had a homer, double and single to make up a 3-4, two run, and one RBI night. Gregor went 3-5 with a single, double and triple and drove in the go-ahead run for Venezuela in the fifth.

Ryan Braun went 3-4 with two singles, a double and an RBI. Jeter went 2-4 with two singles, a hit by pitch and a run scored.

The United States opens Round 2 play against Puerto Rico while Venezuela goes up first against the Netherlands.

W - Jan Granado (1-0)
L - Jeremy Guthrie (0-1)
S - Francisco Rodriguez (1)
HR - VEN - Henry Blanco (1)
USA - Chris Ianetta (1)

THREE STARS

FIRST STAR
C Henry Blanco, Venezuela - 3-4, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI

SECOND STAR
CF Gregor Blanco, Venezuela - 3-5, 2B, 3B, RBI

THIRD STAR
C Chris Ianetta, United States - 1-1, HR, R, BB, 2 RBI,

EDIT: Added Three Stars
SECOND EDIT: Added Link To Boxscore

Braves Defeat Phillies In Slugfest, Win Fifth Straight

Third-string catcher Clint Sammons smacked two home runs and drove in four runs as the Braves jumped out to a big lead and held on to defeat the Phillies 12-10.

Seven differnt Braves had two hits, including starting pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes. Jeff Francoeur and Diory Hernandez drove in two runs as well for Atlanta.

The Braves are playing the Nationals right now.

W - Jo-Jo Reyes (2-0)
L - Kyle Kendrick (1-1)
S - Zach Schreiber (2)
HR - ATL - Clint Sammons 2 (2)
PHI - John Mayberry (3)
Miguel Cairo (2)

Lowe Masterful, Braves Victorious Over Astros

Derek Lowe pitched perfect ball for four innings, striking out half the batters he faced, and the Braves defeated the Astros for the second straight time 7-4.

Lowe was the star of the Braves that day, hurling four scoreless innings. Rafael Soriano followed with a scoreless fifth inning. Boone Logan allowed a run in his inning and Stephen Marek allowed three unearned runs in the ninth. Eric O'Flaherty and Blaine Boyer had scoreless frames in the seventh and eighth.

Omar Infante drove in two runs with a triple and also walked in four plate appearances. Matt Diaz and Brooks Conrad each had a double; Conrad drove in two runs with the double in the ninth. Kelly Johnson had two singles.

The Braves play the Phillies on Wednesday. Jo-Jo Reyes will get the start for Atlanta.

W - Derek Lowe (2-0)
L - Brian Moehler (0-2)

Team USA Pounces On Venezuela's Pen, Wins Big

It may have all started with a suspect bullpen move by Team Venezuela. The next thing they knew, the United States clinched a berth in Round Two, finishing a 15-6 victory off with a double play groundout by Miguel Cabrera.

Roy Oswalt started for Team USA and allowed one run through three innings. The fourth inning was where he hit a wall. Carlos Guillen walked with one out and Jose Lopez doubled. A groundout by Ramon Hernandez drove in a run, Marco Scutaro walked and Gregor Blanco singled home another run, giving Venezuela a 3-2 lead.

They carried that lead into the sixth inning. The frame started with Kevin Youukilis striking out, but the pitch got away from Hernandez and Youkilis was able to make it to first base. David Wright singled to move Youkilis to second and Adam Dunn drew a walk. Mark DeRosa, who had given Team USA a 2-1 lead in the fourth with a two-run triple, then worked a walk to force in a run. Venezuela then brought in left-hander Carlos Vasquez to face the right-handed Chris Ianetta. Team USA's catcher responded with a bases-clearing double that gave the United States a 5-2 lead. After Curtis Granderson struck out, Derek Jeter, who came in for Jimmy Rollins in the fifth, walked and then Dustin Pedroia followed with a two-run double and after Ryan Braun's groundout, Youkilis, the 10th man to bat in the inning, launched a two-run homer to left. The eight runs scored in the inning is a Team USA high and World Baseball Classic record for runs scored in an inning. Team USA relievers combined to hold Venezuela to three runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Ianetta, starting in his first game, went 2-3 with the three-run double and two walks, scoring a run. Youkilis went 2-6, hitting a two-run homer and scoring four runs. Adam Dunn walked, singled and homered, scoring three runs for Team USA.

Jose Lopez was the hitting star for Team Venezuela. He went 3-4 with three doubles, also scoring two runs. Leadoff hitter Gregor Blanco was 3-5 with two singles, a triple, a stolen base and a run scored.

Venezuela will play the winner of the Italy-Canada elimination game.

W - Matt Lindstrom (1-0)
L - Victor Zambrano (0-1)
HR - USA - Kevin Youkilis (2)
Adam Dunn (2)
Ryan Braun (1)
VEN - Carlos Guillen (2)

THREE STARS

FIRST STAR
C Chris Ianetta, United States - 2-4, 2B, 2 BB, R, 4 RBI

SECOND STAR
1B Kevin Youkilis, United States - 2-6, HR, 4 R, 2 RBI

THIRD STAR
LF-3B Mark DeRosa, United States - 1-2, 3B, R, BB, SF, 4 RBI

EDIT: Added link to box score and updated future game scenarios.

Hanson Another Nice Outing, Braves Top Phillies

Pitching phenom Tommy Hanson pitched four innings and allowed four hits and one run, striking out seven Phillie batters as the Braves won 7-2.

Hanson left the game with the score tied 1-1. Jason Donald singled and then scored on Ronny Paulino's double. The Braves got that one back with Jeff Francoeur's sac fly and took the lead in the fifth. Atlanta broke out in the sixth, scoring four runs. Diory Hernandez and Brandon Jones had two hits each. Brooks Conrad had an RBI double.

James Parr allowed the only run (an unearned run in his two-inning stint) in the work the Braves' pen put it. Mike Gonzalez, Peter Moylan and Francisely Bueno all had scoreless innings.

The Braves play an intrasquad game on Monday and will face the Astros on Tuesday.

W - Mike Gonzalez (1-0)
L - Carlos Carrasco (1-1)

Power Battle Ends With United States Victorious

When Shane Victorino gloved the fly ball from the bat of Jason Bay, Team USA could finally move on from the embarrassing 8-6 upset that Canada pulled off back in the 2006 Classic. Team USA scored all six of their runs on the strength of three homers and held on for a 6-5 victory.

Jake Peavy started for the United States and wasn't particularly sharp. In three innings, he walked three batters and allowed two runs, including a solo shot by DH Joey Votto. He left the game trailing 2-1.

Kevin Youkilis led off the bottom of the fourth for Team USA with a solo home run off of Canada starter Mike Johnson. After Adam Dunn walked and Ryan Braun struck out, Brian McCann launched a two-run homer to right that gave Team USA a 4-2 lead.

Canada countered in the top of the sixth when Jason Bay coaxed a walk out of new pitcher Joel Hanrahan to lead off the inning and Mark Teahen doubled him to third. Bay then scored on a wild pitch by Hanrahan. In the bottom of the inning, Youkilis led off with a walk and Adam Dunn followed by crushing a breaking ball into the left-center field stands, putting the United States up 6-3. Canada countered in the top of the seventh off of Scot Shields when Russell Martin lined a home run over the left field wall. Canada stranded two runners in that inning, though.

The United States left the bases loaded in the seventh and eighth innings, setting the stage for the ninth. J. J. Putz, the Mets' set-up man, was sent in to close the game. He got pinch-hitter Adam Stern to ground out to deep short. Jimmy Rollins uncorked a very strong throw to get Stern at first by a half-step. Martin then followed with a double off the top of the wall in left-center. Votto then doubled over Victorino's head to drive in Martin. On the very next pitch, Justin Morneau grounded sharply to Rollins for the second out. After seven pitches and two balls fouled off, Bay flied out to Victorino in right to end the game.

Team USA plays Venezuela tonight in Game 3 of Pool C.

W - LaTroy Hawkins (1-0)
L - Mike Johnson (0-1)
S - J. J. Putz (1)
HR - CAN - Joey Votto (1)
Russell Martin (1)
USA - Kevin Youkilis (1)
Brian McCann (1)
Adam Dunn (1)

THREE STARS

FIRST STAR
DH Joey Votto, Canada - 4-5, 2B, HR, R, 2 RBI

SECOND STAR
1B Kevin Youkilis, United States - 1-2, HR, 3 R, 2 BB, RBI

THIRD STAR
C Brian McCann, United States - 1-2, HR, R, BB, SF , 3 RBI

EDIT: Added link to game box score.

Braves Win Second Straight Spring Game Over Yanks

The Braves rode the power of three solo shots and stingy pitching past the Yankees, winning 3-2.

Casey Kotchman, Greg Norton and Brandon Jones all had solo shots and Jair Jurrjens went 3 2/3 innings and was charged with a run that Buddy Carlyle allowed to score. Including Carlyle's base stats, Atlanta had 5 1/3 innings of pitching where they allowed just two hits and no runs. Kris Medlen, Mariano Gomez, Luis Valdez and Zach Schreiber all had scoreless innings. Yunel Escobar was the only Brave with two hits.

The Braves will start with Tommy Hanson against the Phillies in tomorrow's game.

W - Buddy Carlyle (1-0)
L - Brett Tomko (0-1)
S - Zach Schreiber (1)
HR - Casey Kotchman (1)
Greg Norton (2)
Brandon Jones (1)

Braves Crush Astros, Allow Just Two Hits

The Braves utterly dominated the Astros both on the field and at the plate, winning 13-0.

Matt Diaz led the charge, going 3-4 with a double, homer, two runs and four RBIs. Starting at third base, Martin Prado went 2-4 and drove three runs and scored one. Jeff Francoeur, Casey Kotchman and Clint Sammons all scored two runs each.

Jo-Jo Reyes started for Atlanta and went four innings, allowing no hits and walking two batters. In his two innings, Jeff Bennett allowed the Astros their only two hits. Boone Logan, Manny Acosta and Todd Redmond all had scoreless innings. The staff allowed only five base-runners total all game.

The Braves continue the spring today against the Yankees while the World Baseball Classic picks up steam.

W - Jo-Jo Reyes (1-0)
L - Fernando Nieve (0-1)
HR - Matt Diaz (1)

After Slow Start, Braves Take Care Of Venezuela

After falling behind Venezuela early, the Braves played a see-saw game with their opponents before prevailing 8-4.

Braves starter Derek Lowe didn't allow a hit in three innings, but he had two wild pitches and allowed a run. Jeff Francoeur put the Braves on top with a two-run shot, his first homer of the spring. In the sixth, Jeff Ridgway allowed a two-run single to Miguel Cabrera and an RBI single to Magglio Ordonez. Emiliano Fruto bailed him out and pitched another scoreless inning. Eric O'Flaherty, Stephen Marek, Rafael Cruz and Anthony Lerew all had scoreless innings.

Venezuela's Jan Granado, whose last American baseball experience came with the Anderson (S. C.) Joes of the now-defunct South Coast League, pitched two scoreless innings to start the game, allowing just two walks. Victor Zambrano pitched a scoreless inning and Francisco Rodriguez struck out the side in his inning of work.

The Braves regained the lead with a five-run ninth, highlighted by a bases-loaded double from first baseman Barbaro Canizares. The Braves turned three double plays in the game.

W - Emiliano Fruto
L - Victor Moreno
HR - Jeff Francoeur

Team USA Wins Homer-Happy Tune-up Over Phillies

Team USA capped off their tune-up games by out-homering the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 on their way to winning 9-6.

The Phillies struck first in the opening inning off of Team USA starter Jeremy Guthrie. Former Brave Marcus Giles drew a walk and Eric Bruntlett doubled him home. The score stayed 1-0 until Team USA exploded for nine unanswered runs.

Three straight singles in the third plated a run and Chipper Jones drove in everyone with a three-run shot to left off of Kyle Kendrick. Brian McCann and Ryan Braun hit back-to-back solo shots in the fourth and Adam Dunn crushed a three-run homer in the fifth to make the lead 9-1 USA. The Phillies scored three off of Matt Lindstrom thanks to a Ryan Howard home run, one off of Matt Thornton, courtesy of Jason Donald's solo homer, and one off of Joe Besienius in the eighth. Johnathan Broxton closed out the game for Team USA in the ninth.

David Wright was the only Team USA member with two hits. Chipper Jones scored two runs. Giles scored two runs for the Phillies and Lou Marson, another former Olympian, had two hits.

The United States opens World Baseball Classic play on March 7 in Toronto against Canada. The Canadians, who were also 2-1 in exhibition games against major league teams, defeated Team USA 8-6 in the preliminary round of the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

W - Jeremy Guthrie
L - Kyle Kendrick
S - Johnathan Broxton
HR - USA - Chipper Jones
Brian McCann
Ryan Braun
Adam Dunn
PHI - Ryan Howard
Jason Donald

Kawakami, Kotchman Pitch And Bat Braves Over Yanks

Fueled by Kenshin Kawakami's well-pitched start and Casey Kotchman's two-run double, the Braves held on to edge the New York Yankees 3-2.

Kawakami walked three in his three innings of work, but he only allowed two hits and he struck out two batters as well. Casey Kotchman had a two-run double in the first inning off of Yankees starter Ian Kennedy. After Blaine Boyer continued the shutout in the fourth, Todd Redmond and Kris Medlen gave up runs in the fifth and sixth innings. However, Yunel Escobar drove in a run in the bottom of the fifth to provide the margin for the final score. Francisely Bueno, Mariano Gomez and Juan Perez all had scoreless innings to finish the game off the Braves.

The Braves play their second WBC team tomorrow when they face Team Venezuela.

W - Kenshin Kawakami (2-0)
L - Ian Kennedy (0-1)
S - Juan Perez (1)

EDIT: Added W/L/S/HR chart.

Blue Jays Rally In Ninth, Top Team USA

Blue Jays first base prospect Brian Dopirak drove in three runs in two at-bats, including a walk-off two-run single off Team USA reliever J. J. Putz to lead the Blue Jays to victory 6-5.

Jimmy Rollins had a two-run double for Team USA in their four-run eighth inning that put the team up 3-2. Catcher Brian McCann also had a double and scored a run. Ryan Braun added an RBI single to make it 4-2 in the inning.

Blue Jay outfield hopeful Travis Snider had three singles and a run scored. Catcher Kyle Phillips added two hits and a run scored himself.

Ted Lilly started for Team USA and allowed one run in four innings of work. Brad Mills and Matt Clement of the Blue Jays held Team USA to just one earned run (off of Mills) in two three-inning stints each. Team USA battered Blue Jay pitcher Reid Santos for their last four runs.

Scot Shields and J. P. Howell had scoreless innings for Team USA. LaTroy Hawkins and Joel Hanrahan, late additions to the team, allowed one run apiece in their innings of work.

Team USA's final tune-up game will be against the Phillies tomorrow.

W - Dirk Hayhurst
L - J. J. Putz

EDIT: The W/L/S/HR really don't count, so the totals are removed.

Team USA Takes Advantage of Youth, Hold On For Victory

In their first tune-up game for the World Baseball Classic, Team USA took an early lead, used Yankee pitchers' inexperience to their advantage and then held off a furious rally for a 6-5 victory.

The Yankees struck first in the game off of Team USA starter Roy Oswalt. Brett Gardner singling, moving to third on Mark Teixeira's single and scoring on Jorge Posada's single. Team USA answered in the third inning with Derek Jeter's two-run single.

There was no more scoring until the sixth, when Team USA took advantage of Yankees pitcher Eric Hacker's wildness. He walked two batters, allowed two singles, including a two-run one by Kevin Youkilis, and threw two wild pitches. That opened up a five-run lead for Team USA.

The Yankees scored three in the bottom of the inning off of Matt Thornton, fueled by a two-run ground-rule double by Nick Swisher. Heath Bell and Johnathan Broxton had scoreless innings after that, but Matt Lindstrom struggled in the ninth, allowing two straight singles and a sacrifice fly. He got a pop out and a fly out with the tying run on second base to end the game, however.

Team USA only had six singles in the game, but they also had five walks. They play the Blue Jays next on Wednesday.

W - Roy Oswalt
L - Phil Hughes
S - Matt Lindstrom

EDIT: The W/L/S/HR really don't count, so the totals are removed.

Braves Smash Panama For Double Digits

In the Braves' first tune-up game to help (or harm?) some WBC teams, they pasted Team Panama 11-2.

Bruce Chen, the fourth-best prospect in baseball 10 years ago, started for Panama and was roughed up for four runs in 1 2/3 innings.

Reid Gorecki, who played for Mississippi and Richmond last year, led off the eighth inning with a home run off of Manuel Campos. Jason Heyward followed that one out and one runner later with his first home run of the spring. Seven different Braves batted in a run. Greg Norton had two hits in three at-bats, including a double. Third baseman Diory Hernandez had two singles and a walk.

Top prospect Tommy Hanson started for Atlanta and pitched three innings, allowing just one unearned run in three innings of work. He allowed two singles, walked one and struck out three. James Parr was the only other Brave to allow a run. Mike Gonzalez, Boone Logan and Manny Acosta all had scoreless innings. Buddy Carlyle had two in his second (or third) multiple-inning stint.

W - Tommy Hanson
L - Bruce Chen
HR - Reid Gorecki
Jason Heyward

EDIT: The W/L/S/HR really don't count, so the totals are removed.

Phillies Get To Relievers To Beat Braves

The Philadelphia Phillies pounded Braves relievers Jeff Ridgway and Jeff Bennett for six runs, coming from behind to beat Atlanta 7-3.

Jo-Jo Reyes had three scoreless frames to start the game and the Braves took a 2-0 lead. Peter Moylan made his live pitching return after Eric O'Flaherty's scorless inning; he gave up a run on two hits. Stephen Marek and Phil Stockman each had scoreless innings.

Brian McCann was 1-2 with a home run, a sac fly and two RBIs. Chipper Jones had a double in three at-bats. Josh Anderson had two hits, including a triple. Former Brave Marcus Giles had a single and double for the Phillies, scored two runs and had an RBI.

The Braves play Panama next to help the national team tune up for the World Baseball Classic.

W - Chan Ho Park (1-0)
L - Jeff Ridgway (0-1)
HR - Brian McCann (1)

EDIT: Added W/L/S/HR chart.