The result itself is somewhat a surprise. Of course, the winning squad featured several of the most talented prospects in baseball. Although we hope that they haven’t reached their potential yet. It was fun to watch young players like MVP Jayson NIX, the third base talents Evan LONGORIA and Andy LAROCHE or a slugging Justin RUGGIANO compete at the international level. However the performance of their pitching staff with an ERA of 1.04 was the key for the success.

Cuba had sent their international experienced and proven team to the event. Don’t understand me wrong. They are not an old squad. Frederich CEPEDA, Yulieski GOUERRIEL and Alfredo DESPAIGNE are still at the top of their game. The 19-year old Aroldis CHAMPMAN showed exiting performances on the mound. They were the favourites from the start. And why not. They had won nine World Cups in a row. They even had not lost one since 1951. The three times a non-Cuban team won the title since then, they didn’t participate.

So it may be not an upset, but it was expected that they would be victorious. Nevertheless, the development of the American teams in the last years showed an improvement. Of course they missed the Olympic games in Athens, they didn’t reached the top four at the last World Cup in Holland or at the World Baseball Classic in 2006. But they defeated Cuba in Sidney 2000 and at last year’s Olympic qualifier in Havana.

Both teams cruised relatively easily into the gold medal game. They each lost just once against European teams (USA 2-6 vs. Italy, Cuba 1-2 vs. Dutch). When it counted they got the big hits. Like supposed, they were in first place in their respective groups after the preliminary round. The quarter- and semi-finals were not much different.

Unlike were their opponents in the playoffs. The Netherlands and Japan were not really favourites to reach the top four. Obviously, the Dutch are the best club in Europe and they were fourth in 2005. But the home crowd could have caused that. They proved it was not. The Japanese squad featured “just” amateur players, who did not had much experience on the international level. Certainly a pitcher like Tadashi SETTSU helped a lot. This guy is phenomenon. He threw 89 Pitches on Friday, dominating the feared Australian offense, rested one day and delivered seven impressive one-hit innings on Sunday to led his team onto the podium.

These four teams were not the only ones, who exited the fans. Australia worked their way to a 6-1 start into the event, playing in four games decided by walk-off hits and showed their firepower in a 26-1 pounding against debutant Thailand. Leadoff hitter Trent OELTJEN won the batting title with an average of .523. But their magic was gone at the end of the first round, lost in the quarterfinals to Japan and had to settle for a still best finish ever. Although they had hoped for a better result, after finishing the Olympics in second and sending a strong team to Taipei.

Even the overmatched teams from South Africa and Thailand, the Baseball World Cup showed that the gap between the heavyweights and the relatively newcomers in baseball is smaller than the years before, but not closed.

The top Asian teams had a mixed tournament. Japan and Korea rested their star-players for the Olympic qualifier in December, but were still competitive enough to reach the top five in the end. Host Chinese Taipei had a very motivated squad on hand, fed from the supporting crowd to win five of the first seven games to lose all three in the final round.

Besides the Netherlands, the Europeans had a solid tournament. Italy celebrated their revival after a disappointing continental championship in September and showed their skill with three victories. They are also the only team, who beat the new World champion at the event. Spain and Germany had their successful moments and gained a lot experience. They are on the right way, cutting the deficit to the better clubs.

Despite the two finalists, the American teams took a beating. Venezuela was one of the few disappointments, winning just twice. Panama, who would have advanced if they had insurances for all of their players right from the start, and Mexico, who profit from that incident, had only an uninspired tournament with few successful moments. Canada showed their talent most of the time, but had no luck in the decisive situations.

In the end there were some close and some lopsided games. It was great to bring the event to the fans at home, through the broadcasters of stadeo.tv, who did a great job. The attendance was not that high at several matches and there were some questionable calls by the international umpire staff. But in the end the two best teams battled for first place and team USA is a deserving new champion. Cuba has their chance for revenge at the Olympic games in Beijing next September.

MVP: second baseman Jayson NIX (USA), .387, two homeruns, nine runs scored, six RBI, 13 putouts, 26 assists, one error

Best Fielder: infielder Hainley STATIA (Netherlands), 18 putouts, 32 assists, two errors

Best Batter: Trent OELTJEN (Australia), .523, 23 hits, 12 runs scored

Best Pitcher:
Tadashi SETTSU (Japan), 4-0 record with an ERA of 0.31, 36 strikeouts in 28.2 innings pitched
Aroldis CHAPMAN (Cuba), 2-0 record with an ERA of 1.20, 20 strikeouts in 15 innings pitched

Allstar Team:
Catcher: Sidney DE JONG (Netherlands)
First base: Yasuyuki SAIGO (Japan)
Second base: Jayson NIX (USA)
Third base: Efren RODRIGUEZ ESPINOSA (Mexico)
Shortstop: Sy Hyun SON (Korea)
Outfield: Trent OELTJEN (Australia)
Outfield: Frederich CEPEDA (Cuba)
Outfield: Colby RASMUS (USA)
Designated Hitter: Max DI BIASE (Italy)

1. USA
2. Cuba
3. Japan
4. Netherlands
5. Korea
6. Australia
7. Mexico
8. Chinese Taipei

Round Robin:
Group A
USA 6-1
Chinese Taipei 5-2
Japan 5-2
Mexico 4-3
Panama 3-4
Italy 3-4
Spain 2-5
South Africa 0-7

Group B
Cuba 6-1
Australia 6-1
Netherlands 5-2
Korea 4-3
Canada 3-4
Venezuela 2-5
Germany 1-6
Thailand 0-7

Congratulation to team USA for winning the World Chamionship for a third time. It is their first title since 1974. They also ended the Cuban streak of nine consecutives victories of the Cup. The Americans won by a score of 6-3.

Team USA started strong and simply used their offensive power to outslug the Cubans. They opened the scoring in the second frame with three runs. They added two more in the next two for a fast 5-0 lead and the game was over. Although Cuba could score two runs in the fifth to cut the deficit, the victory for the minor league squad was never really in danger.

Jayson NIX (2 RBI) hit a solo-homerun in the fourth. Justin RUGGIANO had three hits, Andy LAROCHE, Evan LONGORIA and Jason JAMARILLO (2 RBI) each had two.

Alfredo DESPAIGNE got two RBI on one hit. Alex MAYETA had the other RBI for the Carribeans.

Starter Brian DUENSING allowed one run on two hits in 4 2/3 innings. Steven SHELL received the win. Jeff STEVENS closed out the game for the save. The American hurlers showed no fear and attacked the strike zone. They did not give up a single base on balls in the whole game.

Yadel MARTI (L 1-1) never found his rythm and was hit hard. He gave up three runs on four hits and a walk in just 1 1/3 innings.

South Korea overcame a 0-2 deficit to suprise Australia in a 5-2 victory. They will be placed fifth in the final standings.

The Aussies scored the first runs of the game in the first period on a RBI-single by Justin HUBER (2-4, HBP) and a RBI fielders choice by Ben RISINGER (2-3, BB, HBP). But the powerfull offense could not bring more points on the board after that. Korea started their comeback in the sixth frame in big fashion. They scored four runs on a RBI-single by Ji Wan NA and a bases clearing triple by Si Hyun SON. Ji Hwan SON delivered another run in the eighth through a RBI-double.

Australia out-hit their opponents 11-10, but failed to convert their chances after the first frame.

Seung Ho LEE started and was charged with three hits, two runs and two base on balls in just two innings. Yong Hoon CHO received his first win of the tournament. Jae Yoon HYUN pitched the last two periods for the save.

Greg WILTSHIRE (L 1-1) allowed four hits, three runs and a walk in 5 1/3 innings.

Japan took the bronze medal at the World Cup of Baseball after a 5-0 shutout against the Netherlands. It is the fifth time in championship history that the Asian team takes third. The Dutch equalized their best result, achieved 2005 in their home country.

The people in attendance saw a great pitchers duel. Tadashi SETTSU (W 4-0), who had just one day rest after throwing 89 pitches in his win against Australia in the quarterfinals, battled Leon BOYD (L 1-1) on the mound. Everybody knew, whoever scores first will win. And it was the Japanese team which came through in the sixth. Takashi YOSHIURA put the first run on the board with a RBI-double and scored moments later on a RBI-single by Kenichi YOKOYAMA. Two frame later they added three more on a RBI-single by Yasayuki SAIGO and a two-run-double by Kei NOMOTO.

SETTSU allowed just one hit and a walk in seven dominant innings. He struck out seven. Kohhei HASEBE closed out the game for the save.

Boyd gave up five hits, two runs and three base on balls in 5 2/3 innings. Loek VAN MIL, Michiel VAN KAMPEN, Diegomar MARKWELL and Kenny BERKENBOSCH appeared on the mound too.

The Mexican team finished their World Cup of Baseball participation on a high note. They defeated host Chinese Taipei 6-4. They had started the tournament 0-3, won the next four and reached the final round after the punishment for Panama. They lost to Cuba and Australia on their way into the game for seventh place. Taiwan had an realtivly easy preliminary round, but took four straight defeats to be ranked eighth in the event.

Mexico opened the scoring in the second frame with three runs and build up a 5-1 advantage until the eighth. Chinese Taipei rallied in the bottom half of the eighth for three runs, though they could not tie the contest.

Jose FELIX had two hits and two RBI.

Juan DELGADILLO (W 2-1) pitched six innings, allowing one run on five hits and two walks. He struck out seven.

Chih Long HUANG (L 1-1) gave up four hits, three runs and one base on balls in two innings.

The six other teams from the final round will play about the places three to eight of the championship.

Schedule for Sunday:
(all listed times are local)
For seventh place:
09:00 Mexico – Chinese Taipei
For third place:
10:00 Japan – Neterlands
For fifth place:
13:00 Australia – Korea
Final:
16:30 USA – Cuba

All games live at stadeo.tv.

The Cuban team followed team USA into the finals at the World Cup of Baseball. In the end it was much more dramatic than expected. They beat Japan narrowly 5-3.

Cuba started the scoring in the fourth. They loaded the bases. Osmani URRUTIA brought the first run on the board with a RBI force out to second. Ariel PESTANO and Eduardo PARET followed with RBI-singles. Japan stopped the shutout bid in the seventh frame with a RBI-triple by Kenichi YOKOYAMA. But the Carribbean team added two more in the top of the ninth to build up the advantage to 5-1. Alfredo DESPAIGNE hit a RBI-double and scored on a single by Yulieski GOUERRIEL. The Asian didn’t give up. They rallied in the bottom of the frame for two runs through a RBI-ground out by YOKOYAMA and a RBI-double by Takashi YOSHIURA. Nevertheless the difference were too big.

Aroldis CHAPMAN (W 2-0) pitched eight impressive innings for the win. He allowed just three hits, a run and two walks. He struck out eleven. Pedro LAZO struggled to close out the game and was replaced by Yunieski MAYA for the save.

Takashi SAITO (L 1-1) was charged with three runs on five hits and one base on balls.

CUB 000 300 002 5 12 0
JPN 000 000 102 3 6 0

Colby RASMUS opened the socring in the first with a solo-shot over the wall in right field. What followed, was a duel between Matt WRIGHT and David BERGMAN until the eighth, when the USA added four insurance runs. Jayson NIX came through with a RBI-single. Steve PEARCE followed with a two-run-single. Delwyn YOUNG added a fifth run through a sac fly.

The Netherlands reached scoring position just once in the whole game, when Gregory HALMAN came to second.

Matt WIRGHT (W 2-0) allowed just four hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out six. Neil MUSSER, Lee GRONKIEWICZ and Chris BOOKER closed out the game.

David BERGMAN (L 1-1) gave up five hits, four runs (1 ER) and five base on balls in seven-plus innings. dave DRAIJER relieved him.

A strong pitching effort by pitcher Doo Sung HWANG led Korea to a 3-0 shutout past Chinese Taipei. They are now playing Australia in a game on Sunday to determine fifth place.

HWANG threw seven one-hit-one-walk innings on the way to his first win at the World Cup of Baseball. He struck out five.

The offense delivered the needed run-support. They scored their first run in the fifth on a RBI-single by Hyun SON. Seung Hwa LEE, who was three for three, drove in two more. Ki Nam PARK had three hits.

Chien-Fu YANG took the loss. He gave up two runs (1 ER) on eight hits in six innings.

The Australian team cruised easily to their best World Cup of Baseball finish. They reached the game for fifth place with a 7-1 against Mexico.

They started the scoring in the second frame on a homerun by Glenn WILLIAMS. One framer later the Aussies sealed the win with five runs. Brett RONEBERG had a RBI-double, followed by a two-run-double by Tom BRICE and a two-run-triple by Matthew KENT. Brad HALMAN was responsible for the seventh run with a RBI-single in the fifth.

Mexico scored their only run in the fifth on a RBI-double Alejandro AHUMADA.

Adam BLACKLEY pitched six solid innings for the win. He allowed one run on four hits and five walks.

Jose JIMINEZ started for Mexico. He gave up eight hits, six runs and base on balls in just two-plus innings.

Josh HILL (AUS) was ejected in the seventh after hitting a Mexican batter intentionally. Moments before that beaning, the emotions boiled over on the field, as Mexico was upset over the stolen base by Trent OELTJEN with a 7-1 score. He was picked off at second and some bad words were exchanged as he left the field. The benches cleared, but no punches were thrown.

Schedule for Saturday
(all listed times are local)
12:00 Australia – Mexico
12:00 Chinese Taipei – Korea
Semi-finals:
18:00 Cuba – Japan
18:00 USA – Netherlands

The Cuban team used a strong pitching performance by Adiel PALMA and well-timed hits to cruise into the semi-finals at the World Cup of Baseball. They beat Mexico with a 6-0 shutout. They will meet with Japan on Saturday.

Cuba took a fast 1-0 lead as Yulieski GOUERRIEL drove in the first run. Another RBI by him and a two-run-single by Frederich CEPEDA added three more in the fifth to build up a 4-0 advantage. Yoandry URGELLES sealed the victory with a two-run-homerun in the eighth. Alfredo DESPAIGNE and Hector OLIVERA scored two runs apiece.

PALMA (W 1-0) pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing five hits and three walks on the way to a win. He struck out four.

Hector RODRIGUEZ (L 0-2) gave up four hits, four runs (3 ER) and three walks in four-plus innings.

Jeff KARSTENS pitched a gem to lead the United States to a 3-1 win against South Korea. They clinched the berth in the semi-finals at the World Cup of Baseball and meet with the Netherlands on Saturday.

The Americans build up a fast 3-0 lead after three innings. Andy LAROCHE hit a two-run-homerun in the first. Steve PEARCE added a run in the third with a RBI-single. Jayson NIX scored twice. Korea scored their only run in the sixth. Joo Chan KIM scored on a ground out by Han Joon YOO.

However, it was a game dominated by pitching. KARSTENS (W 2-0), a spot starter for the New York Yankees in 2006 and 2007, allowed one run on five hits in seven innings. He struck out seven. It was his second win in the tournament. Jeff STEVENS closed out the game for the save.

Won Jon CHANG (L 1-1) took the loss after four innings of work. He was charged with three runs on five hits and two walks. Reliever Jang Ho BAE stopped the American offense with four one-hit innings. Though it was too late.

Japan started the final round with one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far. They defeated Australia, one of the heavy favourites to win it all, with a 3-0 shutout.

Tadashi SETTSU (W 3-0) set the ton with a great start. He won the pitching duel over major league proven Travis BLACKLEY (L 0-1). The Japanese hurler threw 5 2/3 strong innings. He allowed just five singles, striking out five. The offense delivered some run-support and the bullpen could defend the lead.

Hisayochi CHONE (3-4) opened the scoring in the third with a solo-shot over the fence in left field. Japan added two insurance runs in the seventh and ninth through a RBI-single by Kanya SUZUKI (3-4) and a bases loaded walk by Yasuyuki SAIGO.

Kohhei HASEBE, who had relieved SETTSU, closed out the game with 3 1/3 two-hit innings. He struck out five for the save. It was an impressive performance by their pitching staff.

BLACKLEY pitched pretty well, although he lost. He was charged with five hits, one run and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. He retired four batters with strikeouts.

The Netherlands reached the semi-finals after winning a thriller against Chinese Taipei. They overcame a 0-2 deficit and scored four runs in the eleventh frame to win 6-3. With this victory they equalized their best ever finish in World Cup history.

It was an exiting duel. Taiwan took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third on a two-run-single by Chen-Min PENG. Their starter En-Yu LIN dominated the Dutch offense and it looked like an easy victory for the host.

Railey LEGITO hit a RBI-double in the sixth, scoring Martijn MEEUWIS and the Netherlands were back in the game. But they still had to overcome a 1-2 deficit. Vince ROOI stepped to the plate in the ninth with two outs and sent the duel into extra-innings with a solo-homerun.

After a scoreless tenth, the Netherlands came trough in the eleventh. They brought four runs on the board to decide the outcome. They loaded the bases and Gregory HALMAN ripped a two-run-double into left field. Two more reached home to add insurance runs on a two-run-single by Hainley STATIA.

Chinese Taipei rallied in the bottom of the period, but could score just one run on a RBI-double by Chen-Min PENG.

Rob CORDEMANS allowed five hits, two runs and two walks in 5 1/3 innings. Loek VAN MIEL relieved him with 3 2/3 strong scoreless innings (1 H, 1 BB, 2 K). Michiel VAN KAMPEN picked up the win.

LIN gave up two hits, one run and two base on balls in six innings. He struck out seven. Po-Hsuan KENG took the loss.

All games live and for free on stadeo.tv.

The ruling:

The IBAF, in agreement with the IBAF Executive Committee, has ruled on Panama starting
play with five players without insurance cover on Nov. 7 and 8 during the 37 th Baseball
World Cup:

1.        These five players were not eligible to play in the Games #3 and #11.

2.        The Panama team must forfeit both Games #3 and #11.

3.        The official result for Game #3 will be Spain 9, Panama 0.

4.        The official result for Game #11 will be USA 9, Panama 0.

Updated standings group A:

1. USA 6-1
2. Chinese Taipei 5-2
3. Japan 5-2
4. Mexico 4-3
5. Panama 3-4
6. Italy 3-4
7. Spain 2-5
8. South Africa 0-7

Australia: It will be interesting to see, if they can continue their streak of dramatic games. They got clutch performances in the from their players in the first round. If they can carry on the trend, they are in position to challenge Cuba in the semis. However they have to beat Japan first. The BLACKLEY brothers Adam and Travis are slated to lead the team into the finals from the mound.
Players to watch: Trent OELTJEN (.600, 11 runs scored), Justin HUBER (.367, 8 RBI), Luke HUGHES (.400, 8 RBI)

USA: Every hitter in the line up is dangerous. The offense got hot the last days and is certainly a reason for the success. 36 of their 69 hits went for extra bases. Maybe they do not need so much run-support, because their pitching staff is not bad either. Jeff KARSTENS, a pitcher with major league experience for the Yankees, will be starting on Friday against Korea. Matt WRIGHT and Dallas TAHERN should be in the mix for the weekend.
Players to watch: Evan LONGORIA (.357, 7 RBI), Andy LAROCHE (.385, 12 RBI), Justin RUGGIANO (.350, 3 homeruns, 6 RBI)

Chinese Taipei: The host of the World Cup relies on the fanatic crowd behind them, which is celebrating the team the whole time. It is definitely an advantage for them. They are hitting .285 so far and the pitching staff has an ERA of 3.69. The numbers are not the best, but they got the big hits at the right time.
Players to watch: Chia-Hsian HSIEH (.370, 2 doubles, 3 homeruns, 9 RBI), Chin-Feng CHEN (.355, 9 runs scored, 8 RBI), Tai-Shan CHANG (.393, 9 runs scored)

Netherlands: The best European team climbed the ladder and could be one of the sleeper picks to win it all, especially since winning against Cuba. They are riding the momentum and could face the Americans in the semis, after beating Chinese Taipei. Their question mark is the pitching, after using their best players the last few days. Rob CORDEMANS could be on line for Friday.
Players to watch: Dirk VAN’T KLOOSTER (.407, 9 RBI), Vince ROOI (.333, 6 runs scored, 7 RBI), Sharnol ADRIANA (.357, 7 runs, 7 RBI)

Japan: They are the underdog against Australia and have only young blood on the roster, without much experience. Maybe they can surprise with their fresh energetic play and their small ball tactics. It all depends on their starter. If he can control the strong offense, they would have a chance.
Players to watch: Hisayochi CHONO (.455, 6 runs scored, 5 RBI), Toshiyuki HAYASHI (.292, 8 RBI), Yasuyuki SAIGO (.500, 6 runs scored, 8 RBI)

Korea: They had their problems against the better teams of the tournament so far. It would be a huge upset, if they can defeat team USA. They need to defend perfect and have to score as many runs as they can. Because the powerful line up of the Americans is difficult to stop. Chan Heon JEONG could be the starter in the quarters.
Players to watch: Ji Wan NA (.462), Si Hyun SOO (.400, 8 runs scored, 6 RBI), Jae Woong YOO (.300, 7 RBI)

Mexico: They were added to the final round at the last possible moment. They won the last four games in a row and their confidence level is high. They are winning their games, because of their strong offense. They hit .361 in the first round, but it is difficult to say, if their bats can do it against the pitching staff of Cuba.
Players to watch: Baltazar LOPEZ ACEDO (6 runs scored, 11 RBI), Sergio CONTRERAS ESTRELLA (.458, 8 runs scored, 7 RBI), Efren RODRIGUEZ ESPINOZA (.478, 8 runs scored)

The Netherlands reached somewhat surprisingly the final round. Sure, they were placed fourth at the last World Cup in 2005. But they were the host, so you could expect a bit home field advantage from the crowd. Now, on neutral ground, they showed that they are in the mix. They upset Cuba to clinch the quarterfinals and could be on the way to a better result than two years ago. Korea, who like Japan, rests his best players for the Olympic qualifier, narrowly advanced. They had started with three victories, lost the next three and clinched the berth with a victory against Germany on the final day of the preliminary round.

Canada had the same 4-3 record, but the tiebreaker was against them. Before the last day, the maple leafs even had the chance for second place, but lost 6-7 to Australia in a thriller. Venezuela was one of the most disappointed teams of the tournament. They never got into a groove and could only defeat the two underdogs of the pool, Germany and Thailand. The Germans managed its first ever victory in World Cup of Baseball history. They also showed some nice efforts against the heavyweights and took a step forward development-wise. For Thailand it was the first World Championship participation in the history of their country. Nevertheless they were overmatched in nearly every game.

Their Asian rivals from Japan followed in third. They had send a young team to Taiwan without any professional stars, which will be rested for the Olympic qualifier in December. However their offense exited the fans in the beginning with high scoring affairs. After a step back with two straight defeats, they recovered and came back to advance into the quarters. Panama would have advanced into the quarterfinals as the last team of pool A. But they had to switch their place with Mexico on Thursday. They had used five players without insurance in the games against the USA and Spain. The IBAF had ruled that they had to forfeit both duels to send their record to 3-4. Mexico, who had one of the most memorable comebacks in World Cup history, will be in the final round instead. They had started the tournament 0-3, but rallied to win the next four games in a row.

Italy was one of the feel good stories at the beginning. They rode the momentum to a 3-1 record after day four, including a major upset versus the United States. They were on the verge to advance, but lost a nail-biter against Chinese Taipei 0-1 in the ninth inning of a make up game. The players were shocked and lost the last three to go home. The other two clubs in the pool, Spain and South Africa, had to learn a hard lesson in some of their losses. They gained a lot of experience of it and will profit in the future. Spain recieved a second win due the ruling, but did not gain a spot in the standings.

Cuba – Panama
USA – Korea
Australia – Japan
Chinese Taipei – Netherlands

Panama needed just seven innings to cruise into the quarterfinals. They had to win, but had the tiebreaker on their side versus Mexico, which has the same 4-3 record. They didn’t mess around and tallied out 16 hits on their way to an easy 13-3 victory against South Africa.

The only African team at the World Cup scared the Panamanian fans, when they took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. However the possible upset lasted not for long. The Central Americans scored eleven runs between the second and fifth frame to gain a 11-2 advantage. They added two more in the bottom of the seventh to end the contest due to ten-run-rule.

Sherman OBANDO and Freddy HERRERA CHENG had three RBI each. Earl AGNOLLY THOMPSON got three hits.

Warren Anton HERMAN was two for three.

Miguel GOMEZ gave up a run on five hits in five innings for the win.

Carl Marc MICHAELS allowed ten hits, six runs and a walk in three innings.

Team USA took first place in pool A with a victory in a slugfest with World Cup of Baseball host Chinese Taipei. They tallied out ten extra-base hits on their way to a 10-7 win.

After Taiwan had tied the game in the bottom of the sixth through a bases clearing double by Chia-Hsien HSIEH (4 RBI), the Americans regained the lead in the top of the seventh. Justin RUGGIANO (3-4, BB, 5 RBI) hit a three-run-homerun over the wall in right center field. He added another opposite field blast in the ninth for the tenth run. Chinese Taipei rallied in the bottom of the ninth against closer Chris BOOKER. They loaded the bases through three consecutive singles and scored a run on a sacrifice fly by Chao-Hang CHENG. But BOOKER found his rhythm and finished the job.

Jayson NIX hit a solo-homerun and scored twice. Andy LAROCHE had a RBI-double. Colby RASMUS reached four times (2 BB, 2 doubles). Evan LONGORIA got three hits and scored two runs. Delwyn YOUNG added two doubles.

Chin-Feng CHEN had two hits and a RBI.

Josh OUTMAN pitched five innings. He allowed three runs (2 ER) on three hits. He struck out eight. He touched 94 MPH on the gun several times. Besides that he was consistent in the low 90s. Lee GRONKIEWICZ received the win.

Ying-Chieh LIN was charged with five hits, three runs and a walk in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out four. Yu-Chieh SHEN took the loss.

What a game to decide the outcome in group B. After the wins by the Netherlands and Korea in the afternoon, the Canadians knew that they had to defeat Australia to advance. However they lost 6-7 with a fight until the last out.

The lead changed back and forth the whole game. So the ninth period began with the score tied at 4-4. The Aussies brought three runs on the board for a 7-4 advantage. Luke HUGHES drove in the first run on a RBI-double into center field. Ben RISINGER followed with a two-run-single to left. But the maple leafs didn’t gave up. They rallied in the bottom of the ninth and scored two runs on RBI-singles by Nick WEGLAZ and Mike SAUNDERS. They loaded the bases with one out after that and pinch hitter Emmanuel GARCIA stepped to the plate. Though he grounded to short for a game-ending double play.

Australia had started the thriller with two runs on a RBI-single by Justin HUBER and a RBI-double by RISINGER. Canada came right back, cut the deficit in the second on a RBI-double by Chris ROBINSON and took a 3-2 advantage in the third on a two-run-single by Jimmy VANORSTRAND. A Glenn WILLIAMS ground out RBI in the sixth tied the game. However the North Americans answered right away and brought the fourth run on the board on a RBI-single by Matt ROGELSTAD. Nevertheless, the Aussies tied it again in the seventh. HUBER’s second RBI-single of the night sends the match into the ninth.

Trent OELTJEN scored three times.

Adrian BURNSIDE allowed seven hits, three runs and two walks in four innings. Adam BRIGHT received the win. Brendan WISE recovered to earn the save.

Jonathan LOCKWOOD gave up three unearned runs on four hits. He struck out four in 5 2/3 innings. Scott RICHMOND took the loss.

The Venezuelan team, which had a disappointed tournament overall, defeated Thailand by a score of 17-3 and finished in sixth place in group B. The Asian debutant lost all seven games.

Thailand tried to surprise the favourite and scored in the top of the first to take a 1-0 lead. But they were not happy for long. Venezuela put on three runs on the board in the bottom of the same period and broke the game open in the third with eleven runs. After that, they cruised to an easy victory in seven innings.

Dirimo CHAVEZ (3-5, 2 RBI) and Dennis TORRES (3-3, 4 RBI) hit homeruns. Luis ALEN drove in four on three hits.

Pablo MORALES started and gave up two hits, an unearned run and a walk in three innings. Leovildo PARGAS received the win.

Chanatip THONGBAI (L) gave up 14 hits, 12 earned runs and four base on balls in three-plus innings.

The Mexicans took the lead in the second period and added two more until the end of the sixth for a 4-2 advantage. They broke the game open with seven runs after the seventh inning stretch. They used a big error with the bases loaded and three consecutive doubles to ran up the score. The Italians tried their best and rallied to cut the deficit to 1-2 and 2-3 in the fourth and sixth frame. Nevertheless, they could not score more.

Jose Heberto FELIX FONG got three hits in four at-bats and a double. Sergio Alberto CONTRERAS ESTRELLA and Efren RODRIGUEZ ESPINOZA had two hits apiece.

Mario CHIARINI hi a solo-homerun in the fourth.

Emil KAMAR LAZCANO (W 1-1) pitched five-plus innings for the win, allowing three hits, two runs and two walks. He struck out one. The reliever David Ivan DOMINGUEZ OSUNA, Jose de Jesus JIMENEZ DE LA CRUZ, Jose COBOS CARRILO and Miguel Eduardo DUARTE DURAN gave up just two hits and a base on balls until the end.

Anthony FERRARI (L 0-1) was charged with two runs on three hits in 2 1/3 innings. He struck out two, walking none. Cody CILLO, Alessandro MAESTRI, Orlando OBERTO, Chris DI ROMA, Mattia SALSI and Luca PANERATI also pitched for Italy.

The Korean players did their job. They defeated Germany 8-1 to better their record to 4-3. They now have to wait and hope, that Canada loses to Australia. It is the only chance to advance to the next round, because the Dutch surprised with a win against Cuba and has gone to 5-2.

South Korea scored in five of the first eight innings and cruised to an easy win. Germany got on the board in the fifth.

Jae Woong YOO (2 RBI) hit a homerun. Ji Wan NA, Ki Nam PARK and Han Joon YOO had two RBI too.

Jendrick SPEER got the only RBI for the Germans with a sac fly.

Jung-Min LEE (W 1-0) allowed three hits, one run and a walk in five innings. He struck out three.

Tim Henkenjohann (L 0-2) gave up nine hits, seven runs (5 ER) and three base on balls in 6 2/3 innings, striking out five. Rodney GESSMANN relieved him and was charged with one run on two hits and two base on balls in 1 1/3 innings. Philipp HOFFSCHILD and Mirko HEID also appeared in the game.

The Japanese team took a fast 2-0 lead in the first inning and everything looked like an easy win. But the Spanish pitching staff held them down after that and the offense rallied in the sixth for three runs to turn the score in their direction. But the Asians came back. They tied the contest in the eighth and won it in the ninth.

Toshiyuki HAYASHI had two RBI. Kei NOMOTO got two hits.

Nestor PEREZ ALONSO drove in two for the Spanish team. Dewis NAVARRO and Juan GARCIA PAGAN were two for four.

Hideto ISOMURA allowed four hits and a walk in three innings. Koichi KOTAKA received the win.

Manuel OLIVERA gave up two hits, two runs and six base on balls in six innings. Jose Fernando GUTIERREZ took the loss.

box score

The Dutch accomplished the biggest upset of the tournament so far. They beat Cuba 2-1 and advance into the final round. It is the first defeat for the Caribbean team at the World Cup of Baseball since a 3-5 loss to Japan six years ago. It is also the first ever win by the European team against the them in World Championship play.

Diegomar MARKWELL and David BERGMAN shut down the strong Cuban offense. MARKWELL held them to five hits, one run and two walks in 6 2/3 innings. BERGMAN (W 1-0) finished the job with 2 1/3 hitless innings, striking out three.

Besides the great pitching effort, the offense also came through. The Netherlands took the lead in the second period on a RBI-single by Dirk VAN’T KLOOSTER (2-3). After leaving the bases loaded in the sixth, the Cubans finally tied the game in the seventh. Frederich CEPEDA beat the throw to catcher Sidney DE JONG by VAN’T KLOOSTER to score on a single by Osmani URRUTIA. The Dutch were not shocked and regained the advantage a half inning later. Railey LEGITO (2-5) raced home from second on a single by Sharnol ADRIANA for the second run.

They had a few hits more in the ninth to add insurance runs but failed to convert the chances. In the end it did not matter anyway. BERGMAN forced Yulieski GOUERRIEL into a pop up to second on a 3-0 count, Alex MAYETA followed with a lazy fly ball and CEPEDA struck out to end the game.

Arley SANCHEZ started for Cuba. He allowed four hits, one run and a base on balls in four-plus innings. Jonder MARTINEZ took the loss.

Possible outcome for tomorrow:
Group A:
USA/Chinese Taipei (both 5-1): The winner of this match up will be ranked first after the round robin in pool A.

Japan (4-2): The Asian team is already qualified and third, because they won the games against Panama (6-2), Italy (10-0) and Mexico (15-3). They lost to Taiwan (1-6), so they cannot jump in the standings.

Panama (3-3): Needs just a victory against South Africa to advance in fourth place. They had won the games against Italy (6-0) and Mexico (3-2). They lost to Japan (2-6), so they cannot gain a place. If they lose, they are out.

Italy (3-3): Needs a win against Mexico and a loss by Panama to advance to the quarterfinals, because they were defeated versus Panama (0-6) and Japan (0-10).

Mexico (3-3): Needs a win against Italy and a loss by Panama to clinch a final round berth. They had lost to Japan (3-15) and Panama (2-3)

Group B:
Australia (5-1): Need a win against Canada to stay second. If they lose, they would still be in the final round, but in third place. They had won against the Netherlands (4-3) and Korea (2-1).

Canada (4-2): They will advance in second place, if they win against Australia. They could go into the final round in third, when they lose and Korea (vs. Germany) loses too. They are advancing in fourth, if they lose and Korea wins. They are out, if they are losing and the Dutch and Korea wins. They won against the Netherlands (7-1) and lost to Korea (0-5). Tiebreaker goes to Korea in front of Canada in front of the Dutch (more details at the bottom)

The Netherlands (4-2): They will advance in third place, if they are winning against Cuba and Canada loses. They will be placed fourth, if they are winning against Cuba and Canada wins. They will be in the final round, if they are losing and Korea loses too. They lost against Canada (1-7) and won against Korea (5-1). They are placed behind Korea and Canada in the tiebreaker (more details at the bottom).

Korea (3-3): They will advance to the next round, if they won, and Canada or the Netherlands or both loses. They will be out, if they are losing itself. They won against Canada (5-0) and lost to the Dutch (1-5). They would win a tiebreaker (more details at the bottom).

From the IBAF Rules:
C 11 Ties
C11.1 The ranking of the teams after the round robin shall be according to the win-loss record of all the games played.
All ties after round robin shall be settled as follows (in order):
a) The team that won the game(s) between the teams tied shall be given the higher position.
b) Fewest runs allowed divided by the number of innings played in defense in the games between teams tied.
c) Fewest earned runs allowed divided by the number of innings played in defense in the games between the teams tied.
d) Highest batting average in games between the teams tied.
e) A coin flip.

Tiebreaker Group B according rule C11.1b):
Team (runs allowed, defensive innings played, coefficient)
1. Korea (5, 18, 0.278)
2. Canada (6, 17, 0.353)
3. Netherlands (8, 18, 0.444)

Schedule for Wednesday:
(all listed times are local)
Group A
12:00 Japan (4-2) – Spain (1-5)
12:00 Mexico (3-3) – Italy (3-3)
18:00 Chinese Taipei (5-1) – USA (5-1)
18:00 Panama (3-3) – South Africa (0-6)

Group B
12:00 Cuba (6-0) – Netherlands (4-2)
12:00 Germany (1-5) – Korea (3-3)
18:00 Canada (4-2) – Australia (5-1)
18:00 Venezuela (1-5) – Thailand (0-6)

I hope, we got it right, if not, please post in the comments-section.

Both teams exchanged runs in the first three innings. Canada took a commanding lead in the fourth and fifth period with two scored runs apiece. They added another run in the eighth to build up the score to 6-1. Venezuela rallied for two runs in the top of the ninth, but the deficit was too big.

Taylor GREEN got Canada a 1-0 lead with a sac fly in the bottom of the first. Saul TORRES tied the duel in the third with a solo-homerun. The maple leafs answered immediately. Nick WEGLARZ hit a RBI-double in the fourth to take the lead again and scored on a RBI-single by Chris ROBINSON. Mike SAUNDERS added two more an inning later with his third homerun of the tournament. Seabstien BOUCHER drove in the sixth run with a ground out in the eighth.

Venezuela rallied in the ninth with two outs. They scored two runs on a RBI-single by Yosner GARCIA and a throwing error.

James AVERY (W 1-1) gave up two hits, a run and three walks in six innings. He struck out four.

Luis Alberto TORRES RODRIGUEZ (L 1-1) allowed seven hits, five runs and three base on balls in four-plus innings.

Taiwan scored their first run in the second on a RBI-single by Kuo-Hui LO. They added two more through RBI-singles by Chen-Min PENG (3-5, 3 RBI) in the third and fifth period. Taipei ran up the advantage to 8-0 in the sixth, using five runs on RBI-singles by Ying-Chien LIAO and Chih-Song LIN in addition to two costly errors by the Panamanian catcher Nelson ROBLEDO. Two more runs in the final two frames sealed the 10-0 shutout.

Chien-Fu YANG (W 2-0) pitched six innings for the win. He allowed just three hits and struck out four.

Alberto ACOSTA (L 0-1) was charged with three hits, two runs (1 ER) and two walks in four innings. He got five strikeouts.

The Central Americans hit the Spanish pitching staff hard right from the beginning. They build up an early 14-0 lead after just three frames to decide the outcome fast. After that, they cruised to an easy victory.

Alejandro AHUMADA, Baltazar LOPEZ ACEDO and Francisco DELATORRE GUTIERREZ hit homeruns. AHUMADA had four hits in five at-bats with four RBI overall. LOPEZ ACEDO got three hits and drove in seven. Hector GARANZUAY RODRIGUEZ was three for five with four RBIs.

Juan Salvador DELGADILLO PEREZ (W 1-1) biggest problem tonight was to stay warm in the dugout. He started and received the win. He allowed just three hits, a run and one walk in five innings. He struck out five.

Yoel HERNANDEZ (L 0-2) took the loss after pitching only one-plus inning. He was charged with five runs on six hits and three base on balls. Edgar AINETO, Ivan GRANADOS, Pol LLOPIS and Jorge BALBOA could not stop the Mexican offense either.

After two scoreless periods to start the contest, the Japanese young guns came through with a run in the third, when Kenichi YOKOYAMA reached third on a triple and scored on a sac fly by Tsutohu SASAKI. They broke the game open in the fourth on a two-run-double by Toshiyuki HAYASHI, a bases-clearing triple by SASAKI and a two-run-single by Hysayoshi CHONO. Twelve players of Japan step to the plate, seven eventually scored.

Following another run in the fifth, HAYASHI ends the slugfest earlier with a solo-shot in the seventh, due ten-run-rule.

Italy got just two hits by Leonardo ZILERI and Mario CHIARINI.

Takashi SAITO (W 1-0) gave up two hits and one walk in five innings. He punched out seven. Shoji MATSUOKA closed out the game with three strikeouts in two frames.

Roberto CORRADINI (L 0-1) gave up four hits, four runs and one walk in three-plus innings. Mattia SALSI and Luca PANERATI followed him on the mound.

box score

Sidney DE JONG brought the Dutch team on the board with a solo-homerun in the fourth. Roel ROOLEN (2-4, 2 SB) followed to build up the lead through a broken bat RBI-single into center field.

Sharnol ADRIANA added another run on a solo-shot into the bleachers in left field in the fifth. Vince ROOI made it 5-1 with a two-run-single in the seventh.

Yong Kyu CHOI hit a solo-homerun for Korea in the fifth.

Leon BOYD (W 1-0) gave up six hits, a run and one base on balls in six innings. He struck out five. Loek VAN MIEL closed out the game with a nine-out-save.

Seung Ho LEE (L 1-1) allowed three runs on four hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out eleven.

box score

Cuba started the scoring in the first frame and added another run in the third, before the pounding began and they ran up the score til the sixth. Yulieski GOUERRIEL crushed two pitches for solo-shots to take the lead in the World Cup homerun rankings with three. Yosvany PERAZA (2-4) hit a monster three-run-homerun, which should have travelled about 500 feet. Rudy REYES hit two doubles for three RBI. Yoandry URGELLES was two for five with a triple, two runs scored and two RBI. Eriel SANCHEZ scored twice too.

Manager Rey Vicente ANGLADA rested several of his starters and will do the same tomorrow against the Netherlands.

Thailand scored their only run on an error in the sixth.

Vladimir BANOS (W 2-0) allowed just two hits and a walk in five innings. He struck out eight. Norberto GONZALEZ closed out the game.

Wachira TONGTHONG (L 0-2) gave up 14 hits, eleven runs (10 ER) and six base on balls in six innings. Reliever Suthikiat BUNNAM threw a perfect seventh.

box score

The USA opened the game with three runs in the first two frames for an early 3-1 lead. Colby RASMUS had led off with a single, stole second and advanced to third on a ground ball, before scoring on a double by Andy LAROCHE (3-3). Steve PEARCE (3-4) drove him in with a RBI-single, moments later. LAROCHE hit a sac fly in the second to score Brian BIXLER, who had reached with a single. They build up the advantage in the fourth on the third RBI by LAROCHE and failed to score after that. South Africa cut the deficit to two runs on three consecutive hits in the top of the eight.

Starter Matt WRIGHT allowed one run on one hit in his scheduled three innings. He struck out four. Reliever Jeff STEVENS earned the win with a perfect sixth inning, striking out two.

Shanno ECKERMANS (L 0-2) started for South Africa and took the loss. He gave up eight hits, five runs (2 ER) and three walks in five innings.

box score

Leadoff hitter Trent OELTJEN, who is playing a great tournament, put Australia on the board early on. He reached base on a line drive single of the pitcher and scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael COLLINS. Tom BRICE and Luke HUGHES added two more runs in the fourth frame with RBI-singles. After that BRICE was thrown out at home by left fielder Simon GUEHRING, trying to score from second on a single by OELTJEN. Glenn WILLIAMS build up the advantage to four with another RBI-single in the seventh.

Germany rallied for two runs in the top of the eighth on a two-run-double by catcher Kai GRONAUER. Jens HEYMER and Jendrick SPEER scored on the play. They started another comeback in the ninth with two runners in scoring position. But closer Brad THOMAS escaped the situation with a strike out and a ground out to second baseman HUGHES.

OELTJEN had four singles in his four at-bats. He scored twice. Justin HUBER and WILLIAMS each got two hits.

Sascha LUTZ was two for five with a double. Dominik WULF reached base twice on a walk and a single.

Dushan RUSIC got the start for Australia. He allowed four hits and a base on balls in four innings. He struck out five. Scott MITCHINSON received the win after 3 1/3 innings of relief.

Enorbel MARQUEZ-RAMIREZ (L 0-2) pitched the complete eight frames for Germany. He gave up eleven hits, four runs and three walks. He struck out five.

Italy is still in a good position to advance to the quarterfinals. They are facing Japan in a match, which could decide the outcome. The other important match in group A on Tuesday is the game between Panama and Chinese Taipei, who could clinch a final round berth with a victory.

The Netherlands is needing a win on Tuesday versus Korea to stay in the race. Both have the same 3-2 records, but the Asian team has a much easier task on Wednesday, when they are facing Germany. The Dutch team is going against Cuba on the last day of the round robin. Canada, which also has three victories so far, squares off with Venezuela and Australia in the last two games.

The other two European squads at the tournament, Germany and Spain, meet with Australia and Mexico.

Schedule for Tuesday:
(all listed times are local)
Group A:
18:00 Italy (3-2) – Japan (3-2)
12:00 USA (4-1) – South Africa (0-5)
18:00 Panama (3-2) – Chinese Taipei (4-1)
18:00 Mexico (2-3) – Spain (1-4)

Group B:
12:00 Australia (4-1) – Germany (1-4)
12:00 Thailand (0-5) – Cuba (5-0)
18:00 Korea (3-2) – Netherlands (3-2)
18:00 Canada (3-2) – Venezuela (1-4)

The make up game of the suspended opener featured an exiting pitchers duel. Taiwan’s starter En-Yu LIN (W 1-0) threw a complete game shutout. He allowed just four hits and a hit by pitch, striking out 13. Anthony FIORE matched him for seven innings. He gave up four hits and two base on balls (1 intentional). The 36-year-old veteran punched out seven. He ran up his pitch count to 121 (70 strikes) to end his day. Chris DI ROMA, who gave up the winning run and took the loss, replaced him at the beginning of the eighth.

After missing several opportunities to come through, Chinese Taipei finally scored in the bottom of the ninth. Chin-Chang YEH and Yin-Chien LIAO reached base with two outs through a walk and a single. Chih -Sheng LIN stepped to the plate, worked the count to 3-2 and slapped the ball over the head of the second baseman into right field, scoring YEH. LIN seemed to went around on a check swing with a 2-2 count, but the first base umpire said he didn’t. With his next swing he decided the game.

The third base umpire had denied an Italian rally in the top of the ninth. David DALLOSPEDALE reached with a one-out single and wanted to advance to third on a single by Max DIBIASE (2-4 with a double). The right fielder threw a strike to third, but the tag was late and high, as DALLOSPEDALE slid into third. Replays showed that he was save. However he was called out.

Besides these actions, Italy had not many chances offensively. DI BIASE hustled for a leadoff double in the sixth. But En-Yu LIN escaped the trouble by striking out the next three batters in order.

Chinese Taipei left the bases loaded in the sixth and had two runners on in the fifth.

Cuba is the dominant force in pool B play. Yadel MARTI led them with a brilliant start to an undefeated 5-0 record. Australia collected another walk-off victory to stay in a comfortable second place. Behind these two clubs, there are now three teams with the same record. Canada, Korea and the Netherlands are going to battle it out on the last two days in the preliminary round. The Dutch team is in a somehow underdog position at the moment with matches left against Korea and Cuba. A win against Korea on Tuesday is a must.

It was another so-so day for the European fraction in Taipei. The Netherlands (1-7 vs. Canada) and Spain (2-12 vs. USA) lost their games. Italy came through with an easy 8-0 shutout against South Africa. And finally, Germany won against Thailand and celebrated their first victory ever in the history of World Cup of Baseball.

Schedule for Monday
(all listed times are local)
Group A
18:00 Chinese Taipei (3-1) – Italy (3-1)

Standings after five days:
Group A
USA 4-1
Chinese Taipei 3-1
Italy 3-1
Panama 3-2
Japan 3-2
Mexico 2-3
Spain 1-4
South Africa 0-5

Group B
Cuba 5-0
Australia 4-1
Canada 3-2
Korea 3-2
Netherlands 3-2
Venezuela 1-4
Germany 1-4
Thailand 0-5

The Japanese squad, filled with amateur players, brought their first run on the board in the second. They added five more in the fourth and fifth frame to build up a 6-0 advantage. Panama rallied in the top of the ninth for two runs, but they failed to turn the result to their favour.

Catcher Kenji SUZUKI had two RBIs. Center fielder Hisayoshi Chono went two for four with one RBI.

Panamas left fielder Jonathan VEGA REAL (2-4) drove in two. First baseman Francisco DE LA TORRE had two hits.

Tadashi SETTSU (W 1-0) gave up just three hits and two walks in eight scoreless innings. Reliever Hideto ISOMURA failed to finish the game, as he loaded the bases and gave up two runs on three hits and two base on balls. Kohhei HASEBE had to come in to close it out for the save.

Ramon RAMIREZ CAMEJO (L 0-1) was charged with five hits, four runs and two walks in three-plus innings.

The Americans scored five runs in the first three innings to build up an early 5-1 lead. They added seven more in the seventh frame to raise the advantage. The Spanish rallied for another point in the same period, but could not prevent the game to end to due ten-run-rule.

The squad of the United States crushed six homeruns in the contest. LA Dodgers prospect Andy LAROCHE contunied his hot hitting with two longballs. He drove in four. Bryan ANDERSON had four hits in four at-bats, including a two-run-homerun, scored twice and got two RBI. Steve PEARCE, Evan LONGORIA (2 RBI) and Colby RASMUS (three-run-inside-the-parker) also went deep.

Ricardo RODRIGUEZ batted both Spanish runs in.

Dallas TAHERN (W 1-0) pitched four innings to start the game. He allowed six hits, one unearned run and one walk.

Miguel RIZO (L 0-1) was charged with seven hits, five runs and two base on balls in three innings. Jorge BALBOA, Rhiner CRUZ and Edgar AINETO followed him on the mound.

Yulieski GOUERRIL started the scoring with a RBI-single into right field in the first period. They added six runs in the second to decide the contest, including a two-run-double by Alex MAYETA, who missed a homerun by inches. Two runs in the seventh sealed the early ending due to ten-run-rule.

GOUERRIL, Eduardo PARET, Ariel PESTANO and Rudy REYES scored twice. Alfredo DESPAIGNE batted two runners in.

Yadel MARTI (W 1-0) threw 6 2/3 perfect innings to start the game. He was relieved in the seventh frame, after he had given up his only hit. He struck out five.

Jackson PAZ (L 0-1) had big problems right from the start. He was replaced with no outs and the bases loaded in the second frame. He gave up four hits, six runs and three walks. Former major leaguer Beiker GRATEROL relieved him and lasted till five innings. He did a better job of controlling the Cuban offense. He was charged with six hits, two runs and two base on balls.

GRATEROL was also involved in an incident in the fifth. He graced the helmet of DESPAIGNE with a pitch, prompting both benches to clear on to the field. But play was resumed minutes later without any punches thrown.

After six and a half scoreless innings for both teams, Germany came finally through in the bottom of the seventh frame. Jens HEYMER led off with a double and scored on an error by the pitcher, who misplayed a sacrifice bunt by Marcus GIENGER. Pinch runner Philipp HOWARD added the second run moments later on a ground ball by Sascha LUTZ.

Michael OTTO started the game with 6 1/3 scoreless innings. He allowed just two hits and four walks, striking out six. Dirk FRIES came in for the final 2 2/3 frames and picked up the win.

Krissa HEEBTHONG (L 0-2), who appeared in his thrid game (two starts), gave up two hits, two runs (1 ER) and five base on balls in eight innings. He struck out two.

Mexico took the lead in the fourth period with two runs, but gave it back right away, when four runners by Taiwan reached home in the bottom of the fifth. However, the Central American offense had a very good day. They scored four runs on their own in the sixth to regain the advantage and added three more till the end. Chinese Taipei tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth, but the deficit was too big.

Sergio CONTRERAS (2-4) and Baltazar LOPEZ ACEDO (2 RBI) hit homeruns. Hector GARANZUAY RODRIGUEZ had three hits in five at-bats with one RBI. Fernando ALEJOS SANCHEZ (2-4) drove in two.

Chia-Hsian HSIEH and Kuo-Hui LO went back-to-back with solo-shots for Chinese Taipei.

Hector Daniel RODRIGUEZ MELGAR started for Mexico. He gave up three hits, two earned runs and one walk in four-plus innings. Jose COBOS CARRILLO struck out four in three innings of relief for the win.

Ming-Cheh HSU was charged with five hits, four runs and a base on balls in five-plus innings. Fu-Te NI took the loss.

The people in Taipei at the Tien-Mou Stadium saw a exiting pitchers duel over the first five frames. Both starters threw perfect for three and allowed just six hits in the first five and a half innings. Korea loaded the bases in the top of the fifth but failed to drove a runner in.

Australia had just two hits, when Luke HUGHES stepped to the plate to lead off the bottom of the sixth. He ripped the ball over the wall in left field for a 1-0 lead. The answer of the Korean team followed immediately. After two quick ground outs in the top of the seventh, Si Hyun SON reached base on a line drive into right field and scored through a double by San SONG to tie the game.

The match up went into the bottom of the ninth. Justin HUBER reached second base on a double with one out. One strikeout later, it was the turn for Ben RISINGER to bat. He hit the ball over the head of the center fielder to bring HUBER home with a walk-off RBI-single. The Aussies are now 4-1 and in pretty good shape to advance into the next round. Korea is now one of three teams in pool B with a 3-2 record and they are in danger to miss the quarterfinals.

Boston Red Sox prospect Adam BLACKELY (AUS) allowed one run on six hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out four. Reliever Adam BRIGHT received the win.

Won Jun CHANG was the starter for Korea. He gave up four hits and a run in seven strong innings. He punched out six. Doo Sung HWANG relieved him and took the loss.

Alex LIDDI (2-4) started the scoring with a solo-homerun in the second. They added four more runs in the same period on their way to an easy victory. The South African offense got many chances with runners in scoring position, but failed to bring them home.

Max DI BIASE had four hits in five at-bats with three RBI. Lorenzo AVAGNINA was three for four with two runs scored and two RBI. Both missed the cycle by a homerun. Gino LOLLIO got two hits.

Ashley SCOTT had three hits for South Africa.

Orlando OBERTO (W 1-0) threw six scoreless innings in his start. He gave up six hits and two walks, striking out three. Cody CILLO (2 IP, 3 H, 4 SO) and Alessandro MAESTRI (1 IP, 1 SO) finished the game.

Matthew DANCER (L 0-1) allowed 13 hits, eight runs and two base on balls in six innings.