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Molina demands apology from Jones after WBC comments

Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Following Team USA's 8-0 victory Wednesday over Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones had some things to say about his opponents, taking exception to the fact they had pre-planned victory shirts and a parade.

During a postgame victory celebrating the Americans' first WBC victory, Jones discussed one motivating factor behind their win.

"Should I tell the truth?" Jones explained. "Well before the game we got a note that there were some championship shirts made; we didn't make them ... and a flight. That didn't sit well with us.

"And a parade. That didn't sit well with us. So, we did what we had to do. (Marcus) Stroman went out there and gave us his all, the players they battled the offense swung the bats and we brought it home for the United States."

Related - Jones: U.S. motivated by Puerto Rico's premature championship T-shirts

Puerto Rican catcher and team captain Yadier Molina had quite the response for his counterpart Thursday while celebrating his team's silver medal in San Juan.

"Adam Jones ... is talking about things he doesn't know about," Molina told ESPN's Marly Rivera. "He really has to get informed because he shouldn't have said those comments, let alone in public and mocking the way (preparations) were made.

"He has to apologize to the Puerto Rican people," Molina added. "Obviously, you wanted to win; he didn't know what this means to (our) people.

Puerto Rican players apparently planned on flying to their home nation to show their gratitude whether they won or lost, which is one of the reasons why Molina was so steamed.

"That's why I'm sending a message to (Jones), saying 'Look at this, right now you're in spring training working out, and we're with our people, with our silver medals," Molina exclaimed. "You're in spring training and you're working ... you have no idea how to celebrate your honors, you don't know what it means."

Puerto Rico generated a ton of attention in the WBC after the team - who dyed their hair blond - stormed to the final with a perfect record before losing to the Americans.

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