Haines pitches in for U.S. at international tournament

BASEBALL | IBAF WORLD CUP

Cape Girardeau native Talley Haines was the winning pitcher earlier this week for the U.S. baseball team in the 2005 IBAF World Cup in The Netherlands.

Haines, a right-handed reliever, worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings Monday during a 6-4 victory against Australia. He allowed one hit, walked one and struck out one.

Haines also pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday, as the United States improved to 4-0 in World Cup play with a 12-6 triumph against Puerto Rico. He did not give up a hit while walking two and striking out none.

A 1995 Central High School graduate, Haines has pitched in the minor leagues for the past eight years. He was with the Chicago Cubs' Class AAA affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa, this season before being selected for the World Cup squad.

Top minor league players not on 40-man rosters were selected for the U.S. team. The next World Cup game for the United States is Friday. The tournament, won the last eight times by Cuba, concludes Sept. 17.

-- Southeast Missourian