Robert Stock, a 33 year old pitcher with experience in the Major Leagues as well as overseas, is currently a non-roster invitee at the Milwaukee Brewers camp. While typically used in a starting pitcher role, Stock found himself with an opportunity to collect a save for Team Israel in their opening game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Stock did not disappoint as he slammed the door on Team Nicaragua.
2-0 all time in @WBCBaseball openers for Team Israel.@RobertStock6 slider to cap it off.
3-1 victory.
Hats off to Team Nicaragua on a great game today.
Y’alla!!! pic.twitter.com/NoOlY74Jz0
— Israel Baseball (@ILBaseball) March 12, 2023
Brewers pitcher Robert Stock collects a save for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Stock took the mound in the ninth inning with a 3-1 lead. Israel plated three runs in the bottom of the eighth thanks to clutch hits from Spencer Horwitz and Garrett Stubbs. Prior to that, Israel was getting shut down by Nicaragua’s pitching staff.
GROUND RULE DOUBLE!! Garrett Stubbs gives Israel the lead 🇮🇱
📺: FS2 and the FOX Sports App pic.twitter.com/3jjMxkRyqx
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 12, 2023
With a two run lead, Stock was able to work quickly as he retired the side in order. To start with he generated a weak ground ball to shortstop. He then struck the next two batters out to end the game and secure a victory for Israel.
The loss was a gut punch for Nicaragua, who is now 0-2 in pool play. Israel, who did not play yesterday, advanced to 1-0. Pool D, which also features power houses in Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic, is shaking up to be a very competitive pool.
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