Team USA moves on

PHOENIX - Running out of outs, Adam Jones and the United States suddenly broke loose and saved themselves from a humbling loss.

Now, thanks to a fast finish, they're heading to Miami for the next round of the World Baseball Classic.

Jones doubled in the tying and go-ahead runs in the eighth inning, Eric Hosmer hit a three-run double in the ninth and the U.S. scored seven times in the last two innings to beat Canada 9-4 on Sunday.

"Words can't describe it," Hosmer said, recalling how he felt standing on second base after his big hit. "It is hard to hold your emotions right there. It is just an unbelievable feeling and when you hear the crowd chant 'USA' and the other crowd chanting 'Canada,' it is an unbelievable experience."

Canada's Michael Saunders, of the Seattle Mariners, hit a two-run homer off starter Derek Holland and was chosen the Group D MVP, going 8 for 11 in the tournament with seven RBIs.

"It's an honor," Saunders said, "but it's really kind of a sour taste in my mouth right now."

Canada manager Ernie Whitt called Saunders "an up-and-coming outfielder that's going to be a superstar."

The United States won Group D, taking the tiebreaker thanks to its 6-2 victory over the Italian squad. The U.S. plays Group C runner-up Puerto Rico on Tuesday night in Miami.