Trea Turner hit a grand slam to give team USA the lead in the 8th inning.
The World Baseball Classic provided some drama on Saturday night as team USA defeated Venezuela 9-7 to advance to the semifinals against Cuba. The scoring started early as the American team put up three runs in their half of the first inning. Venezuela answered back with two runs of their own in the bottom of the inning.
The teams traded runs during the middle innings and by the end of the seventh, Venezuela lead 7-5. The USA had the bottom part of their order due up to begin the eighth. Tim Anderson lead off the inning with a walk. Pete Alonso was used to pinch hit for Kyle Schwarber against the left-handed Venezuelan reliever— José Quijada. Alonso singled to right field. Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto was then hit by a pitch— which he appeared unhappy about— to load the bases. Venezuela brought in right-handed reliever— Silvino Bracho— to face the next batter.
This set the stage for the USA and Phillies shortstop Trea Turner. Turner was quickly down in the count 0-2. That did not change his approach as he connected with an 0-2 changeup that traveled 407 ft. and faded into the left field stands. The grand slam put the American team up 9-7 and they would hold onto the lead from there.
The scene was electrifying. Turner’s reaction to the homerun and the reaction of his teammates were reminiscent of a World Series game. The atmosphere and celebrations from the American players and fans demonstrated how much this tournament means to those involved. Turner went on to say that the homerun was the biggest of his career and that the crowd in Miami’s loanDepot Park was the loudest he’s ever heard. It is important to note that Turner has played in over 40 playoff games as a big-league player. It is safe to assume that the Philadelphia crowd may rival that volume once Turner makes a postseason appearance as a Phillie in Citizen’s Bank Park.
While there has been some controversy concerning injuries during the World Baseball Classic, moments like Saturday night’s grand slam show what the tournament means to players and fans. The games may be exhibitions that do not count toward the Major League Baseball season, but they provide excitement. The world is watching as the best players on the planet compete— not for money or contracts, but for national pride. The tournament has the ability to grow the game in a way that provides fans with a chance to watch the game’s best for a two-week period leading up to Opening Day.
Just for good measure, here are some other views of the grand slam that show the electricity of the moment.
How can you not love this game?
