Ryan Lavarnway
Dominican Republic's Jose Bautista reacts after hitting the game winning RBI single during the ninth inning of a baseball game against Israel at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, in Yokohama, Japan. The Dominican Republic won 7-6. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Bautista's hit, and bat flip, helps Dominicans oust Israel

By Ronald Blum Aug. 03, 2021 09:07 AM EDT

United States' Tyler Austin departs after a baseball game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Yokohama, Japan. Japan won 7-6. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Japan rallies against bullpen to beat US 7-6 in 10 innings

By Ronald Blum Aug. 02, 2021 02:35 AM EDT

Israel's Ryan Lavarnway, right, celebrate with Danny Valencia after hitting a home run in the ninth inning a baseball game against South Korea at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Yokohama, Japan. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Hit batters lift South Korea over Israel in Olympic baseball

By Ronald Blum Jul. 29, 2021 09:42 AM EDT

FILE - Pittsburgh Pirates' Todd Frazier plays during a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, in this Thursday, April 22, 2021, file photo. Frazier, a 35-year-old infielder released by Pittsburgh on May 13 after going 3 for 35, was 4 for 4 with a solo homer and RBI double in the 4-2 win over Venezuela that earned him a trip to the Tokyo Games. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Better baseball players have less chance for Olympic gold

By Ronald Blum Jun. 30, 2021 12:46 PM EDT

Israel Olympic baseball player Danny Valencia takes batting practice at Salt River Fields spring training facility, Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Israel has qualified for the six-team baseball tournament at the Tokyo Olympic games which will be its first appearance at the Olympics in any team sport since 1976. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Chasing baseball gold: Israeli team has big dreams for Tokyo

By David Brandt May. 14, 2021 03:28 PM EDT