BASEBALL U.S. rallies into WBC semifinals

MIAMI -- Hobbled and humbled in the World Baseball Classic, Team USA still is swinging.

David Wright sliced a two-run single that capped a three-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning Tuesday night, and the injury-plagued Americans qualified for this weekend's semifinals with a 6-5 win over Puerto Rico.

Wright's hit with one out eliminated Puerto Rico from the tournament. The Americans advanced to the next round at Dodger Stadium.

It was an especially sweet victory for the U.S. after Saturday's loss against Puerto Rico that triggered the mercy rule.

-- AP