Dalbec slams Team USA to win in opener
A power surge carried Team USA to victory on Saturday, with Bobby Dalbec delivering the biggest blow.The second-ranked Red Sox prospect belted a grand slam in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach as the Americans used four home runs to crush the Netherlands, 9-0, at Estadio
A power surge carried Team USA to victory on Saturday, with Bobby Dalbec delivering the biggest blow.
The second-ranked Red Sox prospect belted a grand slam in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach as the Americans used four home runs to crush the Netherlands, 9-0, at Estadio de Béisbol Charros de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Box score
The fireworks began early as Braves No. 2 prospect
One inning later, top Angels prospect
After a wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position, Adell and Waters struck out. D-backs No. 5 prospect
The Netherlands intentionally walked @DaultonVarsho25 to bring up @BobbyDalbec with the bases loaded and two outs. Bobby had something to say about that 😤 #ForGlory🇺🇸 #Premier12 @WBSC pic.twitter.com/EjX432cSPn
— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) November 2, 2019
The University of Arizona product turned on a pitch from right-hander Lars Huijer, rocketing it over the fence in left to open a 7-0 lead. Dalbec, who totaled 27 homers across two levels to earn Organization All-Star honors, also singled.
Twins No. 8 prospect
Rooker also doubled, going 2-for-2 off the bench. Pirates right-hander
The win moved Team USA one game closer to qualifying for a spot in the 2020 Olympics. If the U.S. finishes the tournament as the highest ranking Americas region club, it will earn a spot in next summer's Tokyo Games. If Team USA finishes lower than first, it will have to wait for the Americas Qualifier in March in Arizona or in the final intercontinental qualifying opportunity in Taiwan soon after.
Jordan Wolf is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter: @byjordanwolf.