What was a competitive game to begin with finished with the United States defeating Canada 9-4 in a pivotal game at the 2013 World Baseball Classic. With an offensive attack in the eight and ninth innings, the U.S. put the game out of reach in a game that looked to have favored the Canadians early on.
Adam Jones and Eric Hosmer provided the big blows giving the U.S. leads and extending them when it mattered most. The two went 3-8 combining for six RBI and a run scored.
Canada began the game on the attack posting two quick runs in the second inning off a two-run homer by Seattle Mariners' Michael Saunders, scoring Justin Morneau.
Team USA didn't score until the fourth inning when they tied the ball game using small ball and taking advantage of Canadian miscues. This lead didn't last too long as the Canadians took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the sixth following a single by Adam Loewen scoring Joe Votto.
Though things looked shady for the U.S. as the game progressed, they put up a three-spot in the top of the eighth, taking a 5-3 lead. Adam Jones, of the Baltimore Orioles, put the U.S. in the lead for good with a two-run double over the head of Canadian center fielder, Tyson Gillies. Shane Victorino followed with a base hit to score Jones from second.
Canada didn't die down. They came back roaring in the bottom of the frame, cutting the lead to just a run as the U.S. bullpen almost imploded late in the game as they had the bases loaded.
The U.S then put up a four-spot adding insurance runs in the top of the ninth, giving themselves a bit of a cushion to work with. Eric Hosmer, who came into substitute Mark Teixeira a few days before the tournament launched, smacked a three-run double to solidify their chances of winning.
Craig Kimbrel, arguably the best closer in the game right now, came from the bullpen and shut everything down helping the U.S. complete the win. He struck out three of the batters he faced in the ninth to close it out.
The U.S.'s Derek Holland went five innings allowing four hits, two earned runs with one walk and four strikeouts. The only costly mistake he made was the home run he surrendered to Saunders. The U.S. bullpen then combined for four innings of two-run baseball.
Unfortunately for Canada, they will now have to try to qualify into the 2017 World Baseball Classic following their last place finish in the tournament.
