USA beats Japan in IBAF World Cup

Left fielder Delwyn Young (Dodgers) hit a three-run homer to propel Team USA (3-1) to a 5-1 victory over Japan (2-2) today in World Cup action in Taiwan. Young also made a phenomenal double play after leaping into the wall for an over-the-shoulder catch followed and threw to first base to double off the runner, although replay clearly showed that Young had dropped the ball. Team USA’s next game is today against Spain (1-3).

With Italy’s 6-0 loss to Panama, Team USA moved up to second place in Pool A, behind 3-0 Taiwan and tied with Panama, which Team USA has already defeated 7-0.

On the mound, lefthander Brian Duensing (Twins) shut down the Japanese, allowing one run on three hits in his five innings. He struck out two and walked one, and three relievers combined to shut out Japan—which was fielding a team of amateurs rather than its usual professional team—for the final four innings.

America rebounded from that Italy game well…