Stroman compares pitching for Puerto Rico to USA: 'Energy is different'

Right-hander Marcus Stroman enjoyed his first experience pitching for Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic.

Stroman allowed just one run in 4 2/3 innings as Puerto Rico cruised to an opening victory over Nicaragua in Miami on Saturday.

The hurler is representing Puerto Rico after helping the United States to a gold medal in 2017. Stroman admitted there's something different about wearing the Puerto Rico uniform.

"The energy is different," Stroman said, according to MLB.com's Juan Toribio.

Stroman was eligible to represent Puerto Rico because of his mother's heritage.

"My mother is my heart. She's my rock. She's my best friend. She's my blood," Stroman said in February, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. "So any time I can represent that woman - I love her more than anything - anything for mom."

Stroman joined Paul Rutgers and Bruce Chen as only the third player in World Baseball Classic history to represent two different nations, according to MLB.com's Sarah Langs.

Puerto Rico's next game is against Venezuela on Sunday night.