YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Speedskating silver medalist Eddy Alvarez put the U.S. ahead with the first of his two RBI doubles, and the United States beat Israel 8-1 in the Americans' Olympic opener.
Tyler Austin hit a two-run homer, doubled twice and drove in three runs in his home ballpark.
Denied players on 40-man rosters, the U.S. started nine players who totaled a career WAR of -1.0; the exception was Todd Frazier at 25.1.
Joe Ryan, a 25-year-old right-hander acquired by Minnesota last week in the trade that sent Nelson Cruz to Tampa Bay, allowed one run and five hits in six innings.