Pepper-grinder move unwelcome in Japan high school tourney
Lars Nootbaar's imaginary pepper-grinder was the talk of World Baseball Classic games in Japan, but the fun-loving gesture by the St. Louis Cardinals outfielder does not appear welcome in Japan's popular high school baseball tournament. When a player for Tohoku High School twisted his two fists together — imitating Nootbaar — after getting on first base Saturday, the umpire told him to stop. Hiroshi Sato, manager for Tohoku High School, defended his player.
news.yahoo.comNick Martinez leaves Team USA at WBC, returns to Padres camp
San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Martinez left the World Baseball Classic on Saturday after he wasn't guaranteed to start for Team USA for the rest of the event. United States manager Mark DeRosa said Martinez will return to Padres spring training to prepare for the start of the major league season. Lance Lynn will start for Team USA in Saturday's game against Venezuela with a spot in the WBC semifinals on the line.
news.yahoo.comNootbaar says pepper-grinder sales are 'up quite a bit'
Lars Nootbaar's pepper-grinder gesture is catching on all across Japan, not just at the Tokyo Dome. You see people doing it on the trains, across the counter ordering a coffee and of course among the 40,000 fans who have packed the Tokyo Dome to watch Japan play in the World Baseball Classic. “I heard the pepper grinders around the country, their sales have gone up quite a bit this past week.”
news.yahoo.comCuba beats Australia, reaches 1st WBC semifinal since 2006
Cuba advanced to the World Baseball Classic semifinals for the first time since 2006 with a 4-3 win over Australia as Alfredo Despaigne hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly and Yoelkis Guibert followed with a two-run single in three-run fifth inning.