Just when we think we're out

Just when we think we're out, it's like the mob
By John Chagaris, College AP
March 17, 2006


ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The roller coaster ride continues and the only team the United States has to thank is Korea. No they cannot take credit for assuring themselves a chance to advance in the World Baseball Classic.

"I'll tell you what, I don't know that I've ever been as nervous watching a baseball game as I was in this one," mentioned Buck Martinez, manager of Team USA.

Buck seems to be the only person who has the fire and energy that has lacked from Team USA, Red Bull should have invested it's money in Team USA instead of trying to buy every MLS team that would listen to them. But Martinez was not done.

"It's a big relief, obviously. We were all very anxious for this game tonight. Japan is a very good baseball team."

It is a big relief but Deja Vu takes place and tonight Team USA has to face Team Mexico for the right to advance, just last week The United States had to beat 2-0 to advance into the second round.

Nearly 40,000 fans cheered loudly for the Korean team, even going to the extent of booing Seattle superstar Ichiro each time he made a play or came to bat. Blue and White Thundersticks could be seen all around Angle Stadium and left nobody wondering who the crowd was pulling for.

Chan Ho Park was fantastic from the mound, going five innings, striking out three men, walking nobody and only giving up four hits. 50 out of his 64 pitches were strikes.

Korea advances to the Semifinals and Finals, held in San Diego, California at Petco Park. The Dominican Republic will face Cuba on Saturday at noon and Korea will face either The United States, Japan, or Mexico at 4:30.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.