World Baseball Classic Pool B: Australia – Cuba 4-5
CUB 001 001 120 5 9 1 AUS 000 103 000 4 6 1
Cuba survived a major scare at the World Baseball Classic against Australia. They needed a two-run pinch hit homerun by Yosbany Peraza to overcome a 2-4 deficit en route to a 5-4 victory on day three of Pool B in Mexico City. They advance to round two, which will begin next weekend in San Diego, California. Australia faces Mexico tonight, determining the last round-two participant.
RBI singles by Frederich Cepeda and Ben Risinger in the third and fourth frame led to the lone runs by each team in the first five innings. Yoennis Cespedes second homerun of the World Baseball Classic put Cuba on top in the upper half of the sixth frame. However Australia answered with a three-run rally moments later. Justin Huber tied the score with a RBI single. James Beresford followed four batters later with a two-run single for a 4-2 advantage.
The Cubans countered right away, cutting the deficit to a run in the top of the seventh on a RBI double by Michel Enriquez. In the eighth Yulieski Gourriel led off with a single to center field, bringing the winning run to the plate. But Alfredo Despaigne flied out and Cespedes struck out. Peraza replaced Joan Carlos Pedroso and hit a 2-1 pitch of Rich Thompson (BS 1, L 0-1) over the wall in left field. Cuba held on to the 5-4 lead to win the thrilling game.
Aroldis Chapman started for Cuba, striking out seven batters in four innings. He allowed three hits, one run and a walk. Travis Blackley opposed him, giving up five hits, one run and two base on balls in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out four. Ismel Jimenez (W 1-0) received the win for 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief.