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David Ortiz has mixed emotions about giving Roman Anthony praise for WBC heroics
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- David Ortiz has mixed emotions about giving Roman Anthony praise for WBC heroics
David Ortiz wanted the Dominican Republic to win Sunday night when it faced the United States in the World Baseball Classic.
While that didn’t happen — somewhat controversially — the loss meant the Red Sox legend had another opportunity to praise one of his favorite active players.
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“This might be one of the toughest moments for me to say ‘Congratulations’ to someone that I really love,” Ortiz said to Red Sox and Team USA standout Roman Anthony .
Anthony hit what became the game-winning home run Sunday night, putting the U.S. over the Dominican Republic, 2-1, in the WBC semifinal.
Ortiz was part of the FOX Sports broadcast with former Yankees Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter , as well as analyst Kevin Burkhardt. Rodriguez also picked the Dominican Republic to win the game.
The U.S. will move on to face the winner of Monday night’s game between Italy and Venezuela in the championship Tuesday.
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Ortiz went on to give Anthony the first “MY DAWG” t-shirt of the year.
“You earned it today,” Ortiz said to Anthony. “Congratulations, man. You know I love you.”
Anthony has been dominant for the U.S. throughout the tournament, putting together a slash of .318/.423/.591. The semifinal home run was his second in six games, and he has among the leaders in the WBC with seven RBIs.
He has impressed both his manager and the veterans around him throughout the spring.
“Twenty-one years old and totally gets it,” Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said before his team took on the Dominican Republic in the WBC semi-finals at LoanDepot Park. “I love his moxie, I love his makeup, the quality of at-bat. He doesn’t come outside the zone. Super impressive.
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“I expect him to have a meteoric career.”
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