U. S. team reaches 2nd round of WBC

SPORTS WIRE

Danny Duffy allowed two hits and struck out seven in four innings, and the United States secured a spot in the second round of the World Baseball Classic with an 8- 0 victory Sunday against Canada in Miami. The result enabled the United States ( 2- 1) to finish second to the Dominican Republic ( 3- 0) in Pool C.

The U. S. offense gave Duffy plenty of early support. A two- run double by EricHosmer highlighted a three- run first inning, and a three- run home run by Nolan Arenado fueled a four- run second. Buster Posey also homered for the United States.

Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis is likely to miss the start of the regular season because of a sore right shoulder. He has been slowed by inflammation in the shoulder throughout camp, and the Indians said they are going to shut him down for two weeks to see how it responds.

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez will have another MRI exam on his left knee Monday in Arizona after being injured in a home- plate collision in a game Saturday between Venezuela and Italy in the World Baseball Classic in Mexico City. The first MRI exam showed no structural damage.

Colorado Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond suffered a broken left hand when he was hit by a pitch in a spring game against the Cincinnati Reds, and he will see a specialistMonday. Desmond signed a five- year, $ 70 million contract in the offseason.

Reds right- hander Anthony DeSclafani might miss the start of the regular season for the second consecutive year because of soreness in his pitching elbow. He was sent back to Cincinnati for an MRI exam and further examination.