Roy Oswalt, World Baseball Classic 2009 (Image: Newscom)

Facing another must-win game, the US is going back to the pitcher who is regarded by many as the best big game starter on the roster. The 31-year-old has spent his entire career with the Houston Astros.

Although Japan hasn’t officially named their starter, most followers expect Daisuke Matsuzaka to get the start. Last year with the Boston Red Sox, Matsuzaka had an 18-3 record with a 2.90 ERA.

The winner of the USA versus Japan will face the winner of Korea versus Venezuela. The championship game of the 2009 World Baseball Classic will take place on Monday at Dodger Stadium.

Japan won the first World Baseball Classic in 2006 and Matsuzaka was named the Most Valuable Player of the WBC.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

After allowing a pair of singles, Oswalt signaled for the medical staff and left with a hip injury. Astros manager Cecil Cooper says that leaving Oswalt in the game was a miscommunication.

On the season, Oswalt isn’t living up to his normal standards. The right-hander has an ERA of 5.43 and has four wins and four losses. In Oswalt’s seven previous seasons, he’s never failed to have a winning record and he’s never failed to have an ERA lower than 3.50.

It’ll be interesting to see if there is any bad blood between Oswalt and the coaches going forward. Additionally, there’s talk that the hip injury could force Oswalt to miss a start.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve