## Jonathan Lynch and Marco Díaz Lead Team USA Past Guatemala *** ### Lynch's Long Ball and Díaz's Dominance Propel Americans to Victory In the first game of their WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup defense, Team USA used a dominant performance from Marco Díaz on the mound and a key home run from Jonathan Lynch to roll past Guatemala, 10-0, in five innings. Díaz, who is committed to the University of Miami, showed why he's one of the top young pitchers in the country. The right-hander allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out 10 batters in four innings of work. Lynch, meanwhile, provided the offensive spark for Team USA. The shortstop hit a two-run homer in the third inning to give the Americans a 4-0 lead. Team USA added three more runs in the fourth inning and then tacked on three more in the fifth to end the game via the mercy rule. The win was a good start for Team USA, which is looking to win its third straight U-12 Baseball World Cup title. The Americans will be back in action on Wednesday when they face Mexico. *** ### Lynch's Home Run Provides Early Lead Lynch's home run was a big blow for Team USA, as it gave the Americans an early lead that they would never relinquish. The home run came off of Guatemalan starter Luis Marroquin, who had been pitching well up to that point. After the home run, Team USA continued to put pressure on Marroquin. The Americans drew three walks in the inning and eventually chased Marroquin from the game. *** ### Díaz Dominates on the Mound Díaz was nearly unhittable against Guatemala. The right-hander threw four shutout innings, allowing just one hit and one walk. Díaz also struck out 10 batters, including the side in the second inning. Díaz's outing was a great example of his potential. The right-hander has a fastball that sits in the low 90s and a sharp breaking ball. He is also a good athlete with a quick delivery. Díaz's performance was even more impressive considering that he was pitching against a team that had some good hitters in its lineup. Guatemala's lineup featured three players who are hitting over .300 in the tournament. *** ### Team USA Adds on Late After Lynch's home run gave Team USA an early lead, the Americans continued to add on runs throughout the game. Team USA scored three runs in the fourth inning and then tacked on three more in the fifth to end the game via the mercy rule. The Americans' offense was led by Lynch, who went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs. Catcher Nolan Crisp also had a good day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Team USA's victory was a good start to the tournament for the Americans. The Americans will be back in action on Wednesday when they face Mexico.
Comments