Sports Shots

The World Baseball Classic lumbers forward into the second round this weekend. The US team faced a scare after losing to an unheralded Canada before walloping South Africa 17-0 (why did they even start the game?) to make it into the second round. The Patriots face Japan on Sunday, while Puerto Rico faces the powerhouse Dominican Republic. Also in the second round are South Korea, Mexico, Cuba, and Venezuela. One of the biggest stories came on Friday when 19-year-old SF Giants prospect Shairon Martis, pitching for the Netherlands, threw a 7-inning no hitter (with no strikeouts). Martis undoubtedly has jumpstarted his chances of making it to the majors. (Below are some AP, Reuters and AFP photos I've culled.)

Cuban infielder Joan Carlos Pedroso gets ready to take batting practice

Future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. after hitting one of his two homers on Friday

Future Hall of Famer and 43-year-old veteran Roger Clemens putting on a pitching clinic against South Africa

Dominican up-and-coming star Wily Mo Peña giving the thumbs up to his team

Baseball great Willie Mays throwing out the first pitch at the US v. South Africa game

Young Curaçao native Shairon Martis, during his spectacular performance

Yankees star and veteran Bernie Williams waving after helping Puerto Rico to defeat Cuba

A Dominican fan getting his critique on of Yankee and US third baseman A-Rod at the Friday game

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This is also the the weekend of the World Indoor Track and Field Championships, which are taking place in Moscow. Here are some photos I've gleaned from the web (all are Reuters, AP or AFP).

Panamanian long jumper Irving Saladino, who took the bronze.

Triple jump champions Brazilian Jadel Gregorio, American Walter Davis, and Cuban Yoadri Betanzos

Silver medalist pole vaulter Alhaji Jeng of Sweden

The women's 60m hurdles race, won by Irish racer Derval O'Rourke (in the orange and green)

Americans Terrence Trammell and Dominique Arnold, who finished first and third in the 60m hurdles finals

Japanese pole vaulter Daichi Sawano

Trammell racing Cuban Dayron Robles, who took the silver

The silver medal-winning women's 4x400 team (Russia's team won the gold)

The first place US men's 4x400 team