U.S. baseball finishes with a win over Canada

Mike Hessman hit two home runs Monday night to lead the Beijing-bound U.S. men's baseball team to a 17-5 win over Canada. The game was called in the seventh inning because of a 10-run lead rule in effect during international play.

Matt LaPorta homered for the third time during the four-game series that the U.S. won, 3-1. Terry Tiffee drove in three runs, and Hessman finished with three RBIs.

The Americans hit 11 home runs during the series and outscored Canada 33-8 during the final three games. Both teams travel to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, where they will change planes and wing their way to the Beijing Games.

U.S. starter Jake Arrieta allowed three runs on three hits in three innings for the victory. Stephen Strasburg of San Diego State allowed one run in three innings. Canadian starter Chris Reitsma surrendered four runs, four hits and two homers in 2 1/3 innings.

-- Greg Johnson

Photo: Matt LaPorta reacts after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of an exhibition baseball game against Canada in Durham, N.C., on Monday. Credit: Gerry Broome/Associated Press Photo