WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC \ Saturday’s games

March 8, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

United States 6, Canada 5

TORONTO — Adam Dunn and Brian McCann each hit a two-run homer, and the United States opened the World Baseball Classic by holding off feisty Canada. Kevin Youkilis added a solo shot and J.J. Putz closed it out in a nervous ninth inning for Team USA, which lost to Canada in the inaugural WBC three years ago. Despite a roster loaded with major league All-Stars, that U.S. squad stumbled to a disappointing eighth-place finish — a big reason this club has talked about taking back America’s game.

Netherlands 3, Dominican Republic 2

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Missing an injured Alex Rodriguez and several other stars, the Dominican Republic flopped at the plate and was upset by Netherlands. It was a startling loss for the heavily favored Dominicans, considered contenders to win the 16-team tournament. Now, they are one defeat from elimination in Group D pool play.

Japan 14, South Korea 2

TOKYO — Ichiro Suzuki broke out of a slump Saturday as defending champion Japan trounced South Korea in seven innings to advance to the second round. Suzuki, who went hitless in five at-bats in Japan’s 4-0 win over China on Thursday, went 3-for-5 with three runs scored. Japan improved to 2-0 in Pool A of the 16-nation tournament and booked a spot in the second round which starts March 15 in San Diego.

China 4, Taiwan 1

TOKYO — Ray Chang homered and drove in two runs and China beat Taiwan for its first win in the World Baseball Classic. China, managed by former major league manager Terry Collins, will next face the loser of Saturday’s late game between Japan and South Korea on Sunday for a chance to advance to the second round of the 16-nation tournament.

Associated Press