Israel Loses 8-1 to the U.S. Baseball Team in Tokyo Olympics
After a strong start Israel loses to U.S. baseball team, but still has a chance at a medal
Israel's Olympic baseball team lost 8-1 to the United States in its second game on Friday.
Israel will continue on to the knockout stage, where it will face off against the team that finishes third in the other group. If the Israeli team wins, it still has a chance to win a medal.
The Israeli team started strong, with two hits by Ty Kelly and Danny Valencia that put two runners on the bases with two outs, before catcher Ryan Lavarnway, went to bat. Lavarnway, who had hit two home runs in the game against South Korea on Thursday, struck out, ending the first inning 0-0.
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Luckily for the team, the five members of the U.S. team to go to bat struck out against Israeli starting pitcher Joey Wagman. Todd Frazier, one of the most notable players from the American team, was among them. The U.S. team is composed mainly of former MLB and current minor league players, as the Major League Baseball season is in full swing in the United States.
The ice broke when Eddie Alvarez got to second base, which led to a one-run American lead. As in Israel's game with South Korea, the Israeli team lost its lead due to two straight home runs by the opposing team. The troubles continued with Tyler Austin's home run, putting the United States in a 3-0 lead.
Israel got on the board in the fourth inning due to one of Valencia's home runs, who is one of the most experienced and decorated players on the team.
Israel continued its momentum with two more hits from Lavarnway and Nick Rickles, which made catching up to the U.S. team possible. But back-to-back outs helped the American team recover and keep their lead. The U.S. team scored runs in each of the final four innings, securing a U.S. victory.
Israel's Olympics baseball team lost to South Korea in a 6-5 opening round game that saw the country's first-ever home runs at the Games on Thursday.
South Korea will face off against the U.S. team on Saturday.
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