US ousts Puerto Rico; Korea also advances

MIAMI – David Wright sliced a two-run single that capped a three-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning Tuesday as the injury-plagued Americans qualified for this weekend’s World Baseball Classic 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.

The US victory made up for Saturday’s embarrassing 11-1 loss to Puerto Rico that ended in the seventh inning due to the 10-run mercy rule.

“Getting a crack at a team that embarrassed us a few days earlier, to have the resiliency to bounce back in the ninth and steal one from them was pretty big,” Wright said.

Trailing 5-3, the United States began its rally when Shane Victorino and Brian Roberts singled to start the ninth inning against J.C. Romero (1-1). Derek Jeter flied out, Roberts stole second and Jimmy Rollins walked on a 3-2 pitch.

Fernando Cabrera came on to pitch, and he walked Kevin Youkilis to force in a run.

Wright then sent a shot just inside the right-field line, raising his fist when the ball dropped in. The New York Mets star was mobbed by teammates near second base after two runs scored.

The vital hit came after the Americans stranded seven runners in scoring position in the first eight innings.

The United States will play Venezuela in Miami’s final game of round two Wednesday to determine seedings for the semis.

The Americans will advance despite a recent wave of injuries that have sidelined infielders Dustin Pedroia and Chipper Jones and reliever Matt Lindstrom for the rest of the tournament. Left fielder Ryan Braun was also unavailable Tuesday with a sore right side, but he hopes to return this weekend.

In San Diego, California, reigning Olympic champion South Korea advanced to the semifinals with a 4-1 victory over defending Classic champion Japan. (AP)