The chance to compete for a gold medal was still on the line when the United States took on the Dominican Republic Wednesday morning in Tokyo. In a game full of former major leaguers and MLB prospects, it was the Americans' bats that powered them past the Dominican Republic, 3-1.
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It didn't take long to see some action. Tyler Austin walked with one out in the bottom of the first and Red Sox prospect Triston Casas capitalized on the opportunity, hitting a two-run jack off Denyi Reyes.
Thirteen-year MLB veteran Scott Kazmir got the start for the Americans and pitched a gem. He held the Dominican Republic to just two hits over five shutout innings.
Austin, who's playing in his home ballpark as a member of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, tacked on a home run of his own in the fifth. The D.R. went out swinging when Charlie Valerio hit a solo homer in the ninth, but the Americans pulled off the 3-1 win.
The United States will play the loser of the South Korea/Japan game on Aug. 5 at 6 a.m. ET. The Dominican Republic will play in the bronze medal match.