Smyly strikes out 6 straight in USA debut

Drew Smyly was added to the United States' roster for the second round of the World Baseball Classic, and picked up right where the rest of the rotation left off.

Symly allowed just one unearned run off three hits over 4 2/3 innings against Venezuela on Wednesday, striking out eight, including six in a row. He was replaced by Sam Dyson with two outs in the fifth inning due to pitch-limit restrictions.

Smyly quieted a loaded Venezuela lineup, at one point consecutively striking out Martin Prado, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Rougned Odor, Alcides Escobar, and Carlos Gonzalez.

The Americans have benefited from exceptional starting pitching during the tournament. Chris Archer, Marcus Stroman, and Danny Duffy combined to throw 12 1/3 shutout innings in the first round, striking out 15 and walking none.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)