Adam Dunn is a one-man, red-white-n-blue wrecking crew. His big bat led the charge as the American team bowled over both opponents in the World Baseball Classic over the weekend. The maple leaf-waving Canadians and Hugo Chavez-electing Venezuelans were no match for his power.
Locked in a surprisingly tight game against the Canadians in Toronto, Dunn stepped to the plate with a runner on, and a scant one-run lead.
And as he's sure to do about 40 or so times this season, he smacked one hard and deep, over the fence. Two runs came in on his opposite-field smash, giving the American team a 6-3 lead in a game they'd win by just one run.
His solo homer against Venezuela wasn't as important, but distance-wise, it was just as impressive.
But it's what he did the other times that he came to the plate that counted. He had three total hits, and walked twice. He was key to two other run-scoring rallies, and ended up crossing the plate three times on his own.
For a few games, it sure seemed like there wasn't anything that the Big Donkey couldn't do.
Fellow Nat Joel Hanrahan pitched in both games, but wasn't nearly as dominant.
He looked shaky against Canada, giving up a run on a wild pitch after he had already allowed a walk and a double.
Against Hugo's boys, he only pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up a hard double before being yanked.
Two other Nats are involved.
Saul Rivera pitched a scoreless inning for Puerto Rico (who can qualify for the second round with a win over the Netherlands today).
And Pete Orr (a non-roster invitee) is hitless for the Canadians (who face elimination against Italy later today).
Chris Needham used to write Capitol Punishment. He loves puppy dogs and freedom.
