Rays' Longoria to the rescue for Team USA at the WBC

March 20, 9:12 AMTampa Bay Rays ExaminerRob Quinn

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Longo is a legit superhero to many Rays fans AP/Keith Srakocic

Team USA advanced to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic with a clutch 6-5 comeback win against Puerto Rico on Tuesday. David Wright bailed Team USA out with a walk-off single in that win, but now Team USA needs to be bailed out again. After yet another loss to team Venezuela on Wednesday, it was time to evaluate injury concerns and see if the roster needed any adjustments. Since the start of the tournament, Chipper Jones, Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia have all withdrawn from the team due to injury. Team USA realized it was in trouble and the Bat Signal was activated in Los Angeles signaling for help.

Evan Longoria, about 2900 miles away, saw the signal and knew what he had to do. The reigning AL Rookie of the Year had already told Team USA he was ready if they needed him. After going 1 for 3 in a Spring Training game against the Cardinals on Thursday, Longo headed straight for the Batcave, busted out the Batmobile and headed straight to Cali to help Team USA battle the injury Riddler.

The semifinals get underway on Saturday as Korea takes on Venezuela in the first semifinal. Japan will take on the USA on Sunday and it is still uncertain whether or not Longoria will be in the starting lineup. David Wright fouled a ball off his toe in the second round, and though there is some discomfort there, he maintains he will start at third on Sunday. Team USA could decide to use Evan at DH to get his bat in the lineup. However it plays out, Longoria will be ready when called upon and could be adding to his already impressive list of accomplishments. Longoria has already won the AL Rookie of the Year Award and broken the rookie record for home runs in the playoffs. Will WBC superhero be the next bullet point on Longoria’s resume? Stay tuned.

Think Longo will light up the WBC? Let me know in a comment.

Have a great story idea in mind and want to share it with me? Want me to spin a hot remix of your hit single? E-mail me at raysexaminer@live.com

I am also the co-host of "Speaking of Sports" with Tampa Bay Sports Examiner Ted Fleming and Althea Pashman. The show airs from 7-9 p.m. each Sunday night on WSRQ 1220 AM Sarasota. Listen live here. The show will be taking a week off this week, but come back and check us out on Sunday, March 29!

For more info: Tune in to Longo and Team USA's semifinal battle with Japan Sunday night at 8 p.m. eastern on ESPN. Join me at Knology Park in Dunedin today as the Rays take on the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. Matt Garza will get the ball for the Rays.