The organizers for the Baseball World Cup in Italy probably were relieved a little, when 2,000 people showed up in attendance for the highly anticipated matchup between Team USA and Cuba in Nettuno, though the number is still too low for such a top-notch tournament. A combined 604 fans came to the other three third-round games on Thursday, well in line with the disappointing overall attendance numbers this week.
The USA won the showdown against Cuba and extended their winning streak at the 2009 Baseball World Cup to twelve games. On Friday the third phase will end, as Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Netherlands still have hopes for a final berth against the Americans. Cuba needs to win against Canada, while Puerto Rico and the Dutch team hope for victories against Australia, respective the US boys. They also need a loss by Cuba to stay alive.
Results:
Thursday, September 24:
USA – Cuba 5-3
Taiwan – Puerto Rico 2-8
Canada – Netherlands 11-5
Venezuela – Australia 9-4
Standings:
Pool F:
- Cuba 4-2
- Netherlands 3-3
- Puerto Rico 3-3
- Venezuela 1-5
Pool G:
- USA 6-0
- Canada 4-2
- Australia 2-4
- Taiwan 1-5
Schedule:
Friday, September 25:
19:00 Cuba – Canada (in Firenze)
19:00 Venezuela – Taiwan (in Grosseto)
19:00 Australia – Puerto Rico (in Chieti)
19:00 Netherlands – USA (in Nettuno) (live on Eurosport2)
Complete Schedule and Live Play by Play
Live streams, more information and video highlights on 2009BaseballWorldCup.com