Round robin games at the Pan-Ams are in the books, and the surviving four teams begin the medal round today.

16:30 EDT (1:30pm on the West Coast)
Semifinals Game 16
#4 seed United States (2-3) v. # 3 seed Venezuela (3-2)

The USA is a team of contrasts: their pitching has been outstanding, with Tony Mancha turning in the best ERA of all teams in the round robin at 0.41. But the bats have been uncharacteristically quiet, with runs hard to come by. Yesterday, aainst Mexico, the USA had only two hits, but one was a HR by Pat Sagdal, good enough for the win, and final #4 seed playoff spot.

On Tuesday of this week, the two teams faced each other in round robin play, with VEN coming away the winner. Ramon Jones tossed a 12K 5 hitter, while Josh Johnson pitched well in the loss. At the WBSC, the USA’s Tony Mancha struck out 14 against VEN, but two walks and wild pitch/passed balls provided the difference. The USA will need to focus on making contact against Jones, wile VEN will work to continue their defense to support the hard throwing Jones.
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19:00 EDT (4:00pm on the West Coast
Semifinals Game 17

2 seed Argentina (3-2) v. #1 seed Canada (5-0)

Argentina took a 3-2 lead into the 5th against Canada on Tuesday, but the roof caved in in the 6th with Canada scoring 6 and running away with it. Roy, Mullaley and Mason all had 3 hits, with Gervasutti, Mata nad Potoliccio being touched up for runs, while Cleary went the distance, striking out 11.

Argentina got the second double life by beating Venezuela, but will have a tougher foe in Canada who has been the dominant team in both the WBSC World Championship in Saskatoon, and all week on home turf in Toronto. It will likely be Godoy and Potoliccio for Argentina, hoping to hold them close enough. Gustavo Godoy and Bruno Motroni have provided most of the ARG offense, so if Canada will work to keep runners off the bases in front of them.