Dominican Republic 8, Italy 3


(Placido Polanco slides across the plate for one of his two runs on the day)

Albert Pujols is hitting .571 thus far in the tournament. But the players on the American team are at some sort of disadvantage, having bolted on spring training and all.

I think it is fair to say that between now and the next WBC, Team Italy might consider having Mike Piazza hit lower in the batting order.

The Domincan Republic’s Luis Polonia, 42, pinch hit for Wily Mo Pena in the 7th. Much like he told the police, age is just a number.