Five Straight Wins In Arizona For Team USA

Complete Coverage of USA Baseball

By John Manuel
October 17, 2003

It's going to be hard for Team USA to pare down its 31-man roster to 24 for the Olympic qualifying tournament in Panama City, Panama. That's because the entire team is playing exceptionally well right now in the Arizona Fall League

Team USA won its fifth game in a row, pounding the Peoria Javelinas 8-1 Thursday to improve to 5-1. Team USA has outscored its last five AFL opponents 50-10. Not only did Team USA's deep lineup put up another crooked number on the scoreboard, but the pitching staff has started getting better and better performances, with Thursday's win featuring the best ones yet.

Righthander Justin Duchscherer (Athletics), who is starting to look like the team's possible ace, threw give one-hit, shutout innings against the struggling Javelinas (2-10). He struck out three in giving Team USA its longest outing by a starter. Then righthander John VanBenschoten (Pirates) finished up, pitching the final four innings in his bid for a rotation slot while giving up one run on four hits. Team USA starters have combined to work 20 2/3 innings in the last five games, giving up just three walks and two runs.

Meanwhile, the Team USA offense was doing what has now become routine. It took an early lead, with an error, sacrifice bunt and sacrifice fly by Chris Burke (Astros) plating the game's first run in the third inning. Team USA got another run in the fourth, as hot-hitting Grady Sizemore (Indians) tripled and scored on another sacrifice fly, this time by catcher Koyie Hill (Dodgers).

Sizemore helped break the game open in the seventh against Javelinas reliever Peter Bauer (Blue Jays). Sizemore, shortstop Mike Rouse (A's) and third baseman Garret Atkins (Rockies) had RBI singles in a three-run frame, giving Team USA a 5-0 lead. Terrmel Sledge (Expos) and Ernie Young (Tigers) combined to drive in three more runs as Team USA put the win away with a three-run ninth. Team USA puts its win streak on the line Friday against the Grand Canyon Rafters. Lefthander Horacio Ramirez (Braves), who is projected to be the team's No. 1 starter, will get his first start as he bounces back from an upper respiratory problem.