Arenado, Posey help U.S. advance
Nolan Arenado and Buster Posey homered and drove in three runs apiece to help the United States earn a berth in the second round of the World Baseball Classic with an 8-0 victory against Canada last night in Miami.
The Americans finished 2-1 in pool play and bounced back from a tough loss Saturday, when they blew a five-run lead and were beaten by the Dominican Republic, 7-5. The U.S. team failed to reach the final in the three previous WBCs.
Also in Miami, Welington Castillo hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the Dominican Republic’s seven-run 11th inning, sending his country to a 10-3 victory over Colombia in their final pool game of the WBC.
The defending champions advanced to the second round tomorrow in San Diego and have won 11 straight in the tourney.
In Tokyo, Israel took advantage of timely hits and solid pitching to beat Cuba, 4-1, and improve to 4-0 in the WBC.
Carlos Correa hit a three-run homer and Puerto Rico qualified for the second round of the WBC, beating Italy, 9-3, in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Kipnis doubtful to open
Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis is likely to miss opening day because of a sore right shoulder.
Manager Terry Francona said that Kipnis will be shut down for the next two weeks to let him recover. . . .
Cincinnati Reds starter Anthony DeSclafani could miss the start of the season for a second straight year because of a sore pitching elbow.
The right-hander has been sidelined during spring training because of the injury. He was expected to make his first appearance today, but he was sore after throwing a bullpen session. DeSclafani was sent back to Cincinnati for an MRI.
Desmond breaks hand
The Colorado Rockies lost one of their biggest offseason acquisitions when Ian Desmond was hit by a pitch, breaking his left hand.
Desmond was plunked by Cincinnati right-hander Rookie Davis with a 93-mph fastball in the fourth inning of the Rockies’ 9-8 loss in spring training. The team says the preliminary diagnosis on Desmond is a left hand fracture, and he will see a specialist today. . . .
The Philadelphia Phillies acquired switch-pitcher Pat Venditte from the Seattle Mariners for minor league outfielder Joey Curletta.