By Chad Thornburg / MLB.com
For the first time since 2009, the Dominican Republic suffered a loss in the World Baseball Classic. In a rematch of the last Classic's title game, Puerto Rico defeated the reigning champions, 3-1, on Tuesday night in the Pool F opener at Petco Park.
Puerto Rico (4-0) was led by a stellar performance by its bullpen and a strong showing from veteran catcher Yadier Molina. In the first, he secured a throw to nail Jean Segura attempting to score at home for the third out, escaping what had been a no-out, bases-loaded jam.
"The motivation was there," Puerto Rican manager Edwin Rodriguez said. "We were waiting for this for four years."
Molina also homered, drove in two runs, threw out a baserunner for a pivotal out late in the game and helped guide the pitching staff through nine innings of one-run ball. "As Yadier Molina goes, the team goes," Rodriguez said. "He's the heart of the team."
TURIN, Italy-- Juventus coasted into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Porto on Tuesday after a first-half penalty and red card ended the Portuguese side's lingering hopes of a comeback.
CALIFORNIA-- Angelique Kerber displayed her grit and vaunted fitness as she battled back to beat France's Pauline Parmentier 7-5 3-6 7-5 in scorching heat on Monday to reach the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.
LONDON- - Antonio Conte got the better of Jose Mourinho for the second time this season as Chelsea beat 10-man Manchester United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to reach the FA Cup semi-finals on Monday.
MILAN--AC Milan came within seconds of ending Juventus' 17-month run of home league wins before a hugely controversial penalty gave the Serie A leaders a 2-1 win in a stormy match on Friday.
