(Miami) Trea Turner gave the team an eighth-inning Grand Slam lead when the USA defeated Venezuela 9-7 Saturday night to secure a berth in the World Baseball Classic semifinals.
On Sunday night, the United States, defending champions, will face Cuba for a place in the grand final.
Venezuelan José Altuve, second baseman, one of the stars of the Houston Astros, left the game in the fifth inning after being hit in the right hand by a pitch by Daniel Bard.
Astros officials said they will provide an update on Sunday.
Trailing 7-5, the United States loaded the bases in the eighth inning with a walk, a single, and a hit off losing pitcher José Quijada.
Silvino Bracho took over and Turner, ninth in the United States’ all-hitter role, dispatched an inning change 407 feet from home plate, deep to left field, with a no-ball tally and two hits.
It was the third Grand Slam in Team USA history.
David Bednar, the fifth pitcher to hit the mound for the United States, was credited with the victory. Ryan Pressly scored the last three outs of the game and made the save.
In the loss, Luis Arraez hit two home runs.