Petit, 4 other Arizona pitchers hold off Mexico

HERMOSILLO, Mexico (AP) - Arizona starter Yusmeiro Petit gave up a run in three innings and Mexico was limited to just four hits overall Friday in a 4-2 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Solo homers by Jorge Cantu and Miguel Ojeda provided the only runs for Mexico's World Baseball Classic squad. It was Cantu's second homer off Arizona pitching in two games. He had a grand slam and six RBIs in Mexico's 19-4 rout of the Diamondbacks in Tucson, Ariz., on Wednesday night.

Petit struck out four and didn't walk a batter. Cesar Valdez gave up a hit in three scoreless innings in relief of the Arizona starter.

Rodrigo Lopez started for Mexico and gave up two hits in three scoreless innings. He was relieved by Pablo Ortega, who allowed three hits and a run in 2 2-3 innings.

Evan Frey was 2-for-2 with two RBIs for the Diamondbacks. Arizona regulars Mark Reynolds and Miguel Montero each had a pair of hits.

It was Mexico's third exhibition game against a major league team before the World Baseball Classic. Mexico opens WBC play against Australia on Sunday in Mexico City.

San Diego Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez said he was optimistic about Mexico's chances despite the decision of several major leaguers not to play for Team Mexico.

"We are able to play very good baseball," he said. "The difference between the 2006 team is that we are really integrated. It is a well-built roster, and I am sure we are going to do a very good job."



Author: Fox Sports
Author's Website: http://www.foxsports.com
Added: March 7, 2009