When Manager Jim Leyland walked into a news conference several hours before the start of the World Baseball Classic championship, a twinkle emerged in his eye, and a slight crease formed at his mouth. It was rare sign that the United States might actually be having fun, given how soberly the players have carried themselves in an otherwise festive, flag-waving, bat-flipping fortnight of international baseball. As it turned out, the Americans were just saving their fun for last, claiming their first W.B.C. title with an 8-0 rout of Puerto Rico.
United States Beats Puerto Rico for First World Baseball Classic Title
