Yulieski GOUERRIEL and Hector OLIVERA hit solo-homeruns as Cuba defeated Canada 6-3. They are now tied with Korea (both are 3-0) at the top of the standings in group B of the World Cup of Baseball in Taipei.
Hector OLIVEIRA (2-5, 2 Runs) ripped a pitch into the left field bleachers for the first Cuban run in the third. Chris ROBINSON tied the game with RBI-double in the top of the fourth, as left fielder Frederich CEPEDA misjudged the fly ball. They could have scored more, but ROBINSON was thrown out by CEPEDA at the plate.
Cuba took the lead again in the fifth. GOUERRIEL (2-5, 2 Runs, 2 RBI) hit a solo-homerun on a line drive around the left field foul pole. After that, they began to hit the ball really hard and brought several insurance runs in. CEPEDA was two for four with a RBI-triple. Alfredo DESPAIGNE, Yoandry URGELLES and Eduardo PARET each had a RBI.
Canada started a comeback in the ninth and Kevin NICHOLSON drove in two with his third double of the night. Cuba brought in Pedro LAZO, who closed out the game for the save.
The Maple Leafs had their chances in the beginning, but failed to bring the runners in. NICHOLSON got four hits and a walk in five plate appearances, including three doubles.
Adiel PALMA was the starter for the Cubans. He allowed one run on six hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings. Norberto GONZALEZ (W 1-0) relieved him and was supposed to complete the game. But he struggled at the end and LAZO came in to end it.
Seattle Mariners 2007 round one draft pick Philippe AUMOUNT started for Canada. He is on a pitch count for the tournament and pitched only two scoreless innings. He gave up two hits, striking out one. Scott RICHMOND relieved him and took the loss.
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