Nevin Hits Two Home Runs, U.S. Olympians Rout Korea

BALTIMORE — Third baseman Phil Nevin hit two home runs, including a grand slam in the first inning, to power the U.S. Olympic baseball team to a 10-4 victory over the Korean National team Saturday at the Orioles’ park at Camden Yards.

Nevin’s grand slam was part of an eight-run first inning for the U.S. team, which had lost three of its last four games, including two in a row against Cuba.

Nevin, the No. 1 pick in baseball’s amateur draft--selected by the Houston Astros--also had a home run in the fourth inning.

Both home runs came off high, outside fastballs; the first one carried 413 feet to the alley in right-center field.

“Today I was seeing the ball real well, like beach balls,” said the former Cal State Fullerton star. “Everybody pitches me like that, and today I caught the pitches I was looking for.

“Their pitcher wasn’t wild, except in the strike zone,” Nevin said. “We needed a game like this to get back on track. The Korean team isn’t Cuba, but they can play.”

The victory gave the United States a 2-1 edge in the series, with two games remaining. The United States will play Korea tonight in Charlotte, N.C., and Monday in Richmond, Va.

The U.S. team has a 14-9 record on its national tour with seven games left in 11 days before it travels to Barcelona.