Team USA looked more like pretenders – not contenders – in an ugly 4-2 victory over winless South Africa on Tuesday in Group A action.

Andy LaRoche continued scorching the baseball going 3-for-3 with a double and three RBI’s. The Americans scored three times in the first two frames and then rebuked a late South African rally to bring home another win.

Colby Rasmus was 2-for-3 from the leadoff spot and first baseman Steve Pearce had three hits and an RBI as the Americans will now meet Taiwan on Wednesday in a game which will determine the top two seeds in Group A.

South Africa hacked a pair of doubles – compliments of Brett Willenburg and Terence White – to cause the seasoned American coaching staff some Pepto-Bismol moments. But in the end Team USA just had too much pitching for the South Africans which managed only four hits off six American pitchers..

Matt Wright turned in another solid effort striking out four and allowing a run on one hit in three innings. Neal Musser had little stress in getting six outs while Jeff Stevens fanned two out of the three batters he faced. But veteran Lee Gronkiewicz was touched for three hits and a run in one inning on the mound before closer Chris Booker retired the final three hitters in order to pick up the save.

The Americans disappearing offense took another holiday the final four innings which does not bode well for the quarter-finals when top teams have their top guns on the mound. However, LaRoche continues to pummel the ball and Tampa Bay Rays prospect Evan Longoria is showing glimpses of his sweet swing.

South African starter Shannon Eckermans scattered two earned runs on eight hits over five innings in a fine outing against the highly-publicized American squad. South Africa will finish their action in this year’s World Cup with a game against Panama.

Photo/IBAF

Tuesday, Nov. 13th

• Australia 4, Germany 2

• Cuba 11, Thailand 1

• Japan 10, Italy 0

• Mexico 19, Spain 1

• Netherlands 5, Korea 1

• Taiwan 10, Panama 0

Tags: World Cup