The United States were heavy favorites against Canada Monday night in the World Baseball Classic, but they still needed a mental reset after getting upset by Mexico the previous day. White Sox starting pitcher Lance Lynn set the tone early on and Tim Anderson was right in the middle of a nine-run first inning for the United States, leading to a 12-1 win in seven innings.
Lynn got the starting nod for Team USA after manager Mark DeRosa had to use eight pitchers in Sunday’s 11-5 loss to Mexico. Lynn struck out two batters in the first inning and it was smooth sailing the rest of the way for the United States, jumping all over 19-year-old Canadian pitcher Mitch Bratt. The lefty, who hasn’t pitched above A-Ball in the minor leagues, only recorded one out in the first inning, while allowing six runs.
The United States added three more runs in the second inning, the first coming via an RBI-triple to right center off the bat of Anderson.
Anderson also singled in the sixth inning, ending his day at 2-for-3, with a walk. Despite not playing against Great Britain in Team USA’s first World Baseball Classic game, the White Sox shortstop is tied for the team lead in hits and RBI, going 4-for-7, with four RBI and two runs scored.
Anderson got some high praise from one of the best players on the planet following the blowout win.
Meanwhile, Lynn was in attack mode against Canada’s lineup and he only needed 65 pitches to complete five innings. The veteran right-hander struck out six batters and only allowed two hits. The lone blemish for Lynn was a solo home run hit by Cubs first baseman/outfielder Jared Young to leadoff the second inning.
The only other hit against Lynn came in the fifth inning, when Abraham Toro singled to center field.
Team USA cruised to a 12-1 victory, with the game ending after the top of the seventh inning. The World Baseball Classic has a mercy rule in place for the group stage of the tournament. Games are called when a team is leading by 15 or more runs after five innings or if there is a 10-run lead after seven innings.
The United States now controls its own destiny to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. Team USA will have Tuesday off before playing its final game in pool play against Colombia on Wednesday.
