Mark DeRosa explains polarizing Gunnar Henderson lineup decision for World Baseball Classic semifinal appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Team USA is ready to face off with the Dominican Republic within the World Baseball Classic semifinal on Sunday. Team USA has announced its starting lineup, with Gunnar Henderson hitting fifth and beginning at third base.
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This was a shock to some, and Team USA supervisor Mark DeRosa is defending his decision to play Henderson over Alex Bregman on this large sport, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
“Playing the numbers, taking part in the new hand….It’s sport on,’’ DeRosa mentioned.
Henderson has performed in simply two video games thus far within the WBC. He has gone 5 for ten on the plate, with a double and a house run. He has three RBIs and a run scored, however has struck out 4 instances. Meanwhile, Alex Bregman is simply two for 11 in his 4 video games thus far. He has hit a double with three runs and a strikeout. Still, he has walked 5 instances thus far.
The Dominican Republic is beginning Luis Severino. Henderson has had a number of success towards Severino. He is seven for 9 towards him with a double, a house run, and 4 RBIs. He additionally has a 2.000 OPS towards Severino. Meanwhile, Bregman has not had a number of success towards Severino. He is simply 5 for 21 with three doubles, three RBIs, and three strikeouts. He has only a .653 OPS towards the Dominican pitcher.
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Team USA is sending Paul Skenes to the mound towards this highly effective lineup of the Dominican Republic. Team USA and the Dominican Republic are set to face off at 8 pm ET on Sunday, with the winner going through the winner of Italy and Venezuela.
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