Associated Press
TORONTO ó With big league stars on both sides and national pride at stake, the United States and Canada gave their World Baseball Classic opener an October feel.
Adam Dunn and Brian McCann each hit a two-run homer, and Team USA held off feisty Canada 6-5 on Saturday to avenge a surprising loss three years ago.
“This is a playoff atmosphere,” U.S. pitcher Jake Peavy said. “Everything is on the line, you’re doing everything you can to win and advance in this tournament, and playing for your country just takes that through the roof. It’s as good an atmosphere as it gets, I believe.”
Kevin Youkilis added a solo shot and J.J. Putz closed it out in a nervous ninth inning for Team USA, which was upset by Canada in the inaugural WBC.
Jimmy Rollins, fresh off Philadelphia’s 2008 World Series title, said beating Canada felt like winning the opener of a postseason series.
“Out here it was opening day, but with the excitement and the importance of getting off to a good start, you could compare that to Game 1 of a World Series,” he said. “You want to get that first win out of the way and then you can take a deep breath.”