Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner played hero for Team USA, hitting a clutch grand slam in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals vs. Venezuela.
Just when it looked like Team USA was down and out in the quarterfinals of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, they managed to get back on top over Team Venezuela.
After a disastrous fifth inning from pitcher Daniel Bard saw the Americans’ 5-2 lead turn into a 6-5 deficit, it looked as though the defending WBC champions would be eliminated. Certainly after Luis Arraez crushed a solo home run in the seventh inning to extend Venezuela’s lead to 7-5.
But then, the eighth inning took place and newly minted Philadelphia Phillie Trea Turner played hero.
With Tim Anderson, Bobby Witt Jr. and J.T. Realmuto on base, Turner faced an 0-2 count, and absolutely crushed the baseball deep into the left field stands of LoanDepot Park for the grand slam, giving Team USA the 9-7 lead.
TREA TURNER GRAND SLAM!!!
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 19, 2023
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!
📺: WBC on FOX pic.twitter.com/G4l6nwsH9Y
Check out Trea Turner’s clutch grand slam for Team USA from every angle
You saw the broadcast view of the homer, now let’s look at some other angles. First, take a look at the USA fans celebrating in a jam-packed LoanDepot Park, courtesy of MLB.com’s Michael Clair.
Team USA fans can bring it, too. pic.twitter.com/qneBqVtAg8
— Michael Clair (@michaelsclair) March 19, 2023
Now, let’s take a look at FOX’s alternative camera shot, which followed Turner as he rounded the bases.
TREA TURNER YOU ARE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES pic.twitter.com/y7sCQhbUM3
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) March 19, 2023
Your timeline needs this #WBC pic.twitter.com/TK6QXnqaap
— Rob Simms (@IamRobSimms) March 19, 2023
It was an inning that Venezuela pitcher Jose Quijada would like to forget. He walked Anderson on six pitches, surrendered a single to Pete Alonso, and hit JT Realmuto with a pitch. That is when Qujada was replaced by Silvino Bracho, who got two strikes on Turner before giving up the go-ahead grand slam.
Team USA held on for the 9-7 win, and will now face Cuba in the semifinals. That game will take place on Sunday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. ET on FS1.
Just when it looked like they were out, Team USA got back in the game with one huge swing by Turner.