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.
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