(Miami) Trea Turner gave the team an eighth-inning grand slam lead as the U.S. defeated Venezuela 9-7 on Saturday night to earn a spot in the World Baseball Classic semifinals. .
On Sunday night, the United States, the defending champions, will face Cuba for a place in the grand final.
Venezuelan second baseman Jose Altuve, one of the stars of the Houston Astros, left the game in the fifth inning after he was hit in the right hand by a Daniel Bard pitch.
Astros officials said they will provide an update on Sunday.
Down 7-5, the United States loaded the bases in the eighth inning with a walk, a single and a hit against losing pitcher, Jose Quijada.
Silvino Bracho took over and Turner, ninth in the United States batting role, dispatched a shift change 407 feet from home plate, deep to left field, with a no-ball count and two strikes.
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 earned the save.
In the loss, Luis Arraez hit two homers.
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