Garrett Whitlock Records Save In World Baseball Classic Debut
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The United States remained undefeated in the World Baseball Classic, beating Mexico on Monday, 5-3. While Paul Skenes' debut was the headline, Boston Red Sox stars contributed for both teams.
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Roman Anthony hit a three-run home run to extend Team USA's lead to five in the fifth inning, and Jarren Duran hit home runs in the sixth and eighth innings to get Mexico back in the game. In the ninth inning, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa handed the ball to Garrett Whitlock to make his tournament debut.
Whitlock did what he does best: throws strikes. He faced four hitters and needed just 17 pitches to get through the inning. He surrendered a lead-off base hit to Joey Meneses on a good 0-2 fastball above the zone, and then retired the next three hitters in order.
It was Whitlock's first appearance of the tournament and first time throwing in a game since February 28. Despite the time off from in-game action, he looked as sharp as ever. 14 of 17 pitches went for strikes, and he recorded five whiffs on 12 swings. His changeup was particularly effective, generating three whiffs as it lived below the zone.
According to Peter Abraham, Red Sox manager Alex Cora spoke to DeRosa to ensure that Whitlock was getting the work he needed to be ready for the regular season. Mason Miller is the team's most dominant reliever, but he remained on the bench in a tight game as the ball went to Whitlock.
With the win, Team USA clinched a spot in the quarterfinals. The team takes on Italy on Tuesday in their pool play finale, with the group stage wrapping up on Wednesday. Duran and Team Mexico will take on Italy on Wednesday, in a game that could be a win-or-go-home contest. The MLB postseason doesn't begin until October, but the World Baseball Classic is starting to take on a playoff atmosphere.
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