USA 4, Venezuela 2: Eighth inning salvo puts US on top

Venezuela took an early lead against Team USA today, but a late-inning fireworks show gave the US a lead, with old friends Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson picking up the win and the save, respectively.

Venezuela scored in the third thanks to some sloppy play from the Americans. Carlos Gonzalez led off the inning with a single up the middle, and then Robinson Chirinos bunted him into scoring position. Except Drew Smyly screwed up and tossed the ball away, putting runners on second and third with nobody out. That set up Ender Inciarte to knock in a run with a simple sacrifice fly. And then they added another in the seventh courtesy of a bomb by Rougned Odor.

Then it was Team USA’s turn. They took advantage of some sloppy play in the seventh to get on the board. Eric Hosmer hit a leadoff single, then a fielding error put him on second with Paul Goldschmidt right behind him and nobody out. A pair of sacrifice flies and they were back in the game.

And then the bombs fell. First up was local boy Adam Jones with a solo shot.

That tied it up for Eric Hosmer to play hero, knocking in the go-ahead run plus a little insurance.

Venezuela is back tomorrow to take on the Domincan Republic at 6:00 PM.