Miami, March 19 (BNA): Trea Turner hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning that lifted the United States over Venezuela 9-7 on Saturday night and into the semifinals of the Baseball Classic.
The United States, the defending champions, will face Cuba on Sunday night for a place in the WBC final against either Japan or Mexico. St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright will start for the United States against Cuba.
Venezuela’s second baseman and Houston Astros star Jose Altuve left fifth with a right hand injury after being hit by a pitch from Daniel Bard. There will be an update on his condition Sunday, the Astros said, according to the Associated Press.
Trailing 7-5, the USA loaded the bases in the eighth on a single and hit a pitch off losing pitcher Jose Quijada. Silvino Bracho was relieved and Turner, the ninth-ranked in the USA lineup, sent his 0-2 change-up 407 feet deep into left field for the third grand slam in US WBC history.
WWA