Twins’ Deduno Pitches Dominican Republic Past USA

A Minnesota Twins pitcher played a key role in the Dominican Republic's upset over the United States.

The United States scored in the first inning but never crossed the plate again in a 3-1 loss to the Dominican Republic in a World Baseball Classic semifinal game in Miami. The US must now play an elimination game Friday night against Puerto Rico with the winner going to San Francisco and the losers going back home.

Samuel Deduno (Twins) had a very strong start for the Dominican team, lasting four innings while scattering five hits. The righty struck out seven while walking two.

Deduno did not factor into the decision, however, because the game was not decided until the top of the ninth inning. The Dominican Republic scored a pair of runs off of previously untouchable closer Craig Kimbrel (Braves).

Nelson Cruz (Rangers) led off the inning with a double and was advanced to third on a groundout. Cruz scored the go ahead run on an Erick Aybar (Angels) single. After Aybar stole second on a swinging strikeout, Jose Reyes (Blue Jays) single him home for the 3-1 advantage.

Fernando Rodney (N/A) pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth to earn the save.