Here’s a recap of how members of the Blue Jays organization fared at the World Baseball Classic on Friday March 6.
3B Kazuma Okamoto | Japan
Okamoto finished 1-for-4 with an RBI single, a walk, and a strikeout in Japan’s 13-0 win over Chinese Taipei. The 29-yeard old hit 5th in Japan’s order.
RHP Yariel Rodriguez | Cuba
Rodriguez tossed 2.1 perfect innings in relief for Cuba, compiling three strikeouts along the way. He threw 17 of his 27 pitches for strikes and was credited with a hold in an impressive outing as part of Cuba’s 3-1 win over Panama.
2B Leo Jimenez | Panama
Hitting 6th in the order, Jimenez finished the day 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout in Panama’s 3-1 loss to Cuba in Group A action.
SS Andres Gimenez | Venezuela
It was an adventurous day for the Jays’ new shortstop, the type of game that gives front offices upset stomachs in these preseason tournaments. He drew a walk in his first plate appearance and was subsequently thrown out trying to steal second base. He was hit by a pitch on the right arm near his wrist in his second time up, but appeared to be okay. He slid head first into first base on a groundout and later singled. Overall, he finished 1-for-2 with a run scored in Venezuela’s 6-2 victory. He also flashed the leather with an impressive leaping grab at short before sliding over to second base in the 8th inning.
C Alejandro Kirk | Mexico
Batting cleanup for the Mexican roster, the Blue Jays backstop finished 0-for-4 in Mexico’s dramatic 8-2 win over Great Britain.
OF Will Cresswell | Great Britain
Cresswell did not play in Great Britain’s Group B opening loss to Mexico.
1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr | Dominican Republic
Vladdy went 1-for-4 with a double, sacrifice fly, and three RBI during the DR’s 12-3 win over Nicaragua. Notably on his sac fly, he appeared to just get under the ball on his flyout to deep left field with the bases loaded. With a better connection, he could have had a grand slam.
OF Ismael Munguia | Nicaragua
The 27-year old minor leaguer opened the scoring for Nicaragua with an RBI single in the top of the first. He finished the night 2-for-3 hitting the third spot in the order while playing centre field.
UT Ernie Clement | USA
The Ern Dog came on as a defensive replacement in left field for the bottom of the 9th inning with Team USA up 15-5 over Brazil. He took over for Aaron Judge and did not have a plate appearance.
Jays Balk 