MIAMI — In the end, it didn’t matter whether Team USA was having enough fun or whether the parent clubs allowed their pitchers enough leeway or whether manager Mark DeRosa knew the rules. What mattered is that this All-Star roster, perhaps the most talented team ever assembled, didn’t hit.
Venezuela came through when it counted in the World Baseball Classic championship game to defeat the United States, 3–2, and capture the country’s first title. The Americans faltered for the second straight tournament.
