U. S. pounds Rondon in WBC triumph

Cubs reliever Hector Rondon was battered for three runs, five hits and a walk in two- thirds of an inning as the United States rallied for a 4- 2 victory Wednesday against Venezuela in its second- round opener in the World Baseball Classic in San Diego.

Venezuela led 2- 1 when Rondon entered to start the bottom of the eighth. He gave up a leadoff home run to Adam Jones that tied the score, then yielded a single to Christian Yelich. After getting his first out, he allowed a tiebreaking two- run homer to Eric Hosmer. He then got his second out before giving up back- to- back singles and a walk to load the bases. He was removed from the game at that point.

The United States is tied with Puerto Rico atop Pool F with a 1- 0 record. The teams play Friday.

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen said he will join the Netherlands at the World Baseball Classic in time for its championship- round opener Monday at Dodger Stadium.

Jansen chose not to compete with the Netherlands in first- and second- round pool play in Asia. The team advanced to the semifinals by finishing second in Pool E with a 2- 1 record.

Tests show Royals catcher Perez’s knee OK

Catcher Salvador Perez should be ready for the Kansas City Royals’ regular- season opener after tests showed there was no structural damage to his injured left knee.

Perez returned to the Royals’ camp in Surprise, Arizona, after playing for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. He was injured Saturday in a collision at the plate with his Royals backup, Drew Butera, who was playing for Italy.

The knee initially was Perez’s main concern, and he had a second MRI exam Tuesday. But the test only showed inflammation, not serious damage.

‘‘ The MRI came out really, really good,’’ Royals manager Ned Yost said. ‘‘ But what’s bothering him more than his knee is his left elbow because he kind of hyperextended his left elbow on the tag, too.’’

Nationals release catcher Norris

Just 3 ½ months after trading for Derek Norris and penciling him in as their starting catcher, the Washington Nationals released him. Norris became expendable when the Nationals signed free- agent catcher Matt Wieters last month.

By releasing Norris before a deadline this week, the Nationals owe him $ 688,525 in termination pay instead of his full $ 4.2 million salary for 2017.

Tebow has two hits in Mets’ spring game

Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow singled twice and made a diving catch at the warning track in right field in the New York Mets’ spring game against the Miami Marlins in Jupiter, Florida.

It was the first time Tebow had two hits in a game, and he raised his spring average to .214 ( 3- for- 14).

Sun- Times wires