Michael Saunders was just named MVP of Pool D during the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Saunders has been tearing up WBC pitching this season for Team Canada and it continued with a two-run homer against Team USA on Sunday (March 10). Though his team ended up losing, Saunders was given the pool MVP honors following the game.
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Saunders finished the three games of pool play with a batting average of .727 (8-for-11) He also drove in seven runs, hit three doubles, and a even had a home run, which came Sunday afternoon off Team USA left-hander Derek Holland. Add to it the four runs he scored, a stolen base, and even two walks that he drew and it shows just how well-rounded his game has become.
These are the numbers that Seattle Mariners fans have wanted to see from Saunders and many fans probably hope he can continue it into the regular season. He won the pool MVP award over every player on the teams from Canada, Italy, USA, and Mexico, showing that he was playing better than many big-name superstar players.
Michael Saunders was hitting just .222 with the Mariners during his Spring Training games, but it is clear that he really found his swing once he reported for Team Canada. Maybe the fact that he was guaranteed a spot on the field helped put him at ease in the World Baseball Classic and that the confidence that came with it will translate to big things for the Mariners now.
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