USA Redeems Itself Against Canada

After being eliminated by Team Canada in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, Team USA—much like their basketball counterparts—redeemed their status today.

“Well, we owed them a little payback,” said Team USA manager Davey Johnson.

Home runs by Brian McCann (2-R), Kevin Youkilis (Solo), and Adam Dunn (2-R, right) led Team USA to their 6-5 victory over Team Canada, who played in front of a home crowd of 42,314.

Jake Peavy had a rocky start, going three innings while surrendering two earned runs, two hits and three walks. Reliever LaTroy Hawkins picked up the win, going one hitless inning. New York Mets set-up man J.J. Putz got the save, but made the ninth inning a little scary to watch.

Team Captain Derek Jeter had a very good game, going 2-3 with a double before being taken out in the fifth inning for Jimmy Rollins.

Even though Canada came up short, Joey Votto was easily the player of the game. The Reds slugger—and the successor to Team USA’s Adam Dunn—went 4 for 5 with a HR and five RBI.

With the win, Team USA will face off against the winner of the Italy vs Venezuela game going on right now on ESPN. Canada will face the loser of that contest in an elimination game.