WBSC tourney roundup: Team USA bests DR

The U.S. team participating in the WBSC Premier12 international tournament won its opener in Taiwan on Tuesday against the Dominican Republic, 11-5.

Leadoff man Jacob May (White Sox) led the way with three runs scored, while Kyle Martin (Phillies) was one of three players with two hits. He also drove in three.

All nine of Team USA's starters recorded a hit against the Dominican staff that featured starter Bryan Rodriguez.

American starter Zeke Spruill (Red Sox) went 4 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on nine hits and one walk. He struck out two. The relief corps of Cody Satterwhite (Mets), Joey Denato (Phillies) and J.B. Wendelken (White Sox) combined for 3 1/3 innings of one-run ball for the victory.

A six-run third helped Team USA break a 3-3 tie and hold on for good.

"Both teams came out swinging and it was an entertaining game for everyone," Team USA manager Willie Randolph said in a news release, according to Baseball America. "I like the fact that we kept attacking and adding on throughout the game. We need to put runs on the board due to the format of this tournament."

Mexico 6, Venezuela 4

Former Major Leaguer Freddy Garcia started for Venezuela in its tournament opener against Mexico, giving up three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Team Mexico scored four runs in the final three innings for the comeback victory. Humberto Sosa had a two-run double in the eighth and finished as the only Mexican player with two hits.

Gregorio Petit drove in two for Venezuela.

Canada 5, Cuba 1

Canada got a strong outing from starter Chris Leroux to win its tournament opener against Cuba, 5-1.

Leroux, who has pitched for the Marlins, Pirates and Yankees as recently as 2014, tossed 5 2/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits and three walks. He struck out eight and allowed just one extra-base hit.

Tyson Gillies had two hits and two runs from the top of the order for the Canadians. Pete Orr homered and drove in two as part of a three-run first that put Canada ahead for good.

Puerto Rico 7, Italy 1

Puerto Rico broke out for six of its seven runs between the fourth and sixth innings en route to an easy win over Italy in the teams' opener.

Andres Santiago gave up just four hits and two walks in seven scoreless innings for the Puerto Ricans.

Richard Thon had a two-run triple and Aldo Mendez had an RBI double for Puerto Rico. Erik Epifano drove in the only run for Italy with a double in the eighth.

Netherlands 7, Chinese Taipei 4

Behind seven combined hits from Kalian R. Sams and Yurendell De Caster, the Netherlands beat Chinese Taipei, 7-4, in their tournament opener Monday night.

Former Major League All-Star Andruw Jones played first base for the Netherlands, going 1-for-4 with a walk and two strikeouts.