USA rallies to stay alive in Classic

Published 1:21 am Wednesday, March 18, 2009

MIAMI (AP) — Hobbled and humbled in the World Baseball Classic, Team USA is still swinging.

David Wright sliced a two-run single that capped a three-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning Tuesday night, and the injury-plagued Americans qualified for this weekend’s semifinals with a 6-5 win over Puerto Rico.

Wright’s hit with one out eliminated Puerto Rico from the tournament. The Americans advanced to the next round at Dodger Stadium.

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It was an especially sweet victory for the U.S. after Saturday’s embarrassment against Puerto Rico that triggered the mercy rule when the Americans fell 10 runs behind, ending the game in the seventh inning.