Sept. 10, 2009

Team USA Falls to Venezuela in 11 Innings

Dirmo Chavez had a grand slam in the top of the 11th as Venezuela defeated defending World Cup Champion Team USA 13-9 Thursday in the opening game of Pool E play of the 2009 IBAF Baseball World Cup in front of 4,200 fans at Armin-Wolf Baseball Stadium in Regensburg, Germany.

Former South Carolina standout Justin Smoak (left) went 4 for 6 for Team USA with two home runs, two doubles and five RBI. The first baseman had a game-tying double in the bottom of the 10th to extend the game.

The U.S. had nine extra-base hits. Buck Coats had a double and a triple, while Tug Hulett added a home run in the second.

Brad Lincoln started on the mound for Team USA and allowed one run in five innings. Nate Field surrendered the grand slam in the 11th and took the loss.

Team USA will face host Germany on Friday at 1 p.m. ET in Regensburg. Todd Redmond is scheduled to start for the U.S. The game will be televised live on MLB.tv. The contest is sold out, with more than 10,000 fans expected.

Germany, led by Georgia State head coach Greg Frady, defeated China 14-1 in front of 5.300 fans Thursday in their opener. Third baseman Dominik Wulf had three hits, including a double and a home run, five RBI and three runs.

Official Website of 2009 Baseball World Cup

(photo by BrianFlemingPhotography.com)