OLYMPICS REPORT / 26 DAYS TO THE GAMES : Morris’ Homer Saves U.S. From Loss

Second baseman Warren Morris’ two-out, three-run homer in the top of the ninth gave the United States an 8-6 victory over Japan in a pre-Olympic exhibition game before 7,882 at Richmond, Va.

The United States (13-0) has won 34 consecutive games over two seasons.

The U.S. team trailed, 6-5, going into the ninth after stranding 13 base runners in the previous eight innings. A.J. Hinch and Kip Harkrider singled before Morris’ home run.

Morris, who led Louisiana State to the College World Series championship earlier this month with a dramatic, ninth-inning home run in the title game, was five for six with four RBIs. He also scored two runs.

Reliever Randy Wolf (1-0) gave up two hits over the final two innings for the victory.