Game two of our doubleheader at Scottsdale Stadium had shades of the movie “Cool Runnings” to it. South Africa a team compromised of club players plus one player in the KC Royals organization, nearly pulled off a major upset against Canada. Cold and tired, we left in the 8^th with Canada up 7-5, but South Africa staged a later rally only to fall short 11-8.

Canada had a huge fan contingent in attendance--it’s all those winter visitors to Arizona! Anyway, the Canada faithful were a little uneasy as their start-studded team (Jason Bay, Justin Moreneau, Corey Koskie, etc..) never really got things going. Let’s put it simply: Canada either ups its game today or Team USA will put them away early.

A celebrity sighting: former Dodger skipper and Hall of Fame member Tommy Lasorda came in about the 4^th inning and sat in the box next to ours. Needless to say, he caused a major commotion!

The day seems like a blur: a World Baseball Classic doubleheader. In game one, the USA beat Mexico 2-0 in a wonderfully played game. Jake Peavy and a host of relievers shut down a very good Mexican team on just a handful of hits. As expected, the crowd went wild over Vinny Castilla, arguably the best player to ever come out of Mexico. (More on Vinny later).

Derrek Lee and Chipper Jones hit home runs for USA’s lone runs.

After seeing Canada in game two, my bet is that Mexico and the US squad make it to the next round, but it’s still early.