It was a suffocating performance for the United States U-18 squad in the Dominican Republic this week. Across 7 games, the United States scored 73 runs and surrendered just five. Team USA steamrolled the U18 Pan American Championship, with very little suspense but for a weird play to end the tournament.
Indeed, with a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning, and Venezuela threatening after two errors in the inning, the United States had its back against the ropes with men on first and third and one out. A fly ball to right field was deep enough for the Venezeulan runner to try and tag up, but he left third base early and was ruled out after initially being called safe at home plate.
Game over. United States wins 1-0, bringing home the title.
The Americans went 3-0 in Group A, 4-0 in the Super Round, and punched …