U.S. savors title

The eagle has landed on top.

The United States routed Puerto Rico, 8-0, at Dodger Stadium to win its first World Baseball Classic in four tries on Wednesday night behind six hitless innings from Marcus Stroman.

The Americans planted their eagle statue mascot on the mound in celebration, a blue cap jauntily hanging from one of its large wings.

“It’s a different feeling when the USA is on your chest,” first baseman Eric Hosmer said. “We wanted to get the U.S. back on top of the baseball world, and we did that.”

For a sport known as America’s pastime, the U.S. had struggled since the WBC began in 2006. Twice, the Americans lost in the second round and they went out in the semifinals in 2009.

This time was different.

“These guys were here to do their best,” Team USA general manager Joe Torre said. “The thing I marveled at was how quickly they came together, and (manager) Jimmy ( Leyland) deserves a lot of that credit. They’re just a great group who understood what this event is all about.”

Accepting the gleaming silver trophy from baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, Leyland told the crowd, “This is for the men and women who serve our country.”

After the final out, the Americans massed on the mound, hugging and highfiving while fireworks exploded in center field. Some of them grabbed a U.S. flag and circled the warning track, waving it in celebration with fans in the stands.

“There was only one thing on our mind, was to win this thing and to do whatever we can to win,” leftfielder Christian Yelich said. “That helped us come together.”

The U.S. finished with a 6-2 record.

Cubs release Henderson: The Chicago Cubs cut former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jim Henderson.

He was 0-1 with a 9.64 record during spring training.