There will be little rest for Team USA who took down Columbia by a score of 3-2 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals in Miami. Tomorrow, the Stars and Stripes will take on Venezuela on Saturday with a place in the semifinals on the line.
Coming into the tournament Pool D was labeled the “Pool of death” with many people assuming that the Dominican Republic would come out on top. Unlike most predictions, Venezuela would run the table in Pool D and secure the top spot.
To say that the American pitching staff has their hands full would probably be an understatement. With a Venezuelan lineup led by Ronald Acuna Jr, Jose Altuve, Andres Gimenez, and more, it’s more than safe to say that this is the best lineup the Americans have faced yet.
If the Stars and Stripes want to advance to the semi-finals, their bullpen will have to come up huge like they did against Columbia. Six US relievers combined to pitch six scoreless innings to hold a one-run American lead and advance them to Miami.
Although, as of now starters have not been announced look for Venezuela to go with Rangers all-star Martin Perez who started their first game against the DR going 3.1 innings giving up just 4 hits and 1 run. Newley acquired Twins starter Pablo Lopez could also be an option.
For the Americans, Lance Lynn will get the starting nod. Lynn went 5 innings giving up just two hits and 1 run in Team USA’s 12-1 win against Canada on Monday. There is no one else on this roster who you would rather start in a big game other than the bulldog Lance Lynn.
If this game becomes a shootout the Americans have more than enough capability to win it. Sure, they won’t be facing a Single-A pitcher as they did against Canada but we seem to finally be starting to see the Americans putting better swings on the baseball and with this lineup, they can explode at any moment.
At this point in the tournament, every game is an elimination game meaning that the US will need to win three straight games in order to defend its title.
This upcoming game on Saturday is going to be tough, there is no other way to put it. However, to say Team USA can’t win is an absolutely false statement.
At the end of the day, I think that Team USA will end up winning this game in a shootout. Nonetheless, Saturday’s game is going to be must-see TV for any baseball fan.
