On Sunday, the United States earned a third-place finish in the Premier12 after beating Venezuela 6-1. The United States got out to a healthy lead thanks to a great start from Casey Lawrence. The major leaguer went 6.0 innings and threw seven strikeouts. He gave up four hits, no walks, and no earned runs.
The United States lineup got four runs to build a 4-0 lead while Lawrence was on the mound, making him the significant factor in their bronze medal finish.
This was also the second appearance he had in the Premier12. Back on Nov. 11, Lawrence appeared in the game against the Netherlands. He struck out four batters in 3.1 innings and gave up two earned runs.
🇺🇸 Casey Lawrence is dealing so far at the Bronze Medal Game.
6.0 IP
4 H
7 SO
0 BB
0 ER#Premier12 pic.twitter.com/fd6fQLBhCY— WBSC ⚾🥎 (@WBSC) November 24, 2024
Lawrence has MLB experience playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and St. Louis Cardinals. He has a 4-4 record in his major league career, with an ERA of 6.75 across that stretch. In 2019, he also played in the Nippon Professional Baseball League for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
The 37-year-old has played in the minor leagues for part of his baseball career. In 2024, he played with the Tacoma Rainiers, the Mariners’ triple-A affiliate. He made 29 starts and finished with a 5.95 ERA. He also struck out 100+ batters.
Now that the Premier12 has come to an end, Lawrence pitched the second-most innings of the United States team and finished with a 1.93 ERA. The bronze medal for the Americans is the second time they have medaled in Premier12 history.
Photo Credit: Casey Lawrence celebrates. (Courtesy of WBSC)
