Cuba decides duel between undefeated teams versus Korea

Cuba is the last undefeated team in group B. The reigning world champion won the duel between two 3-0-clubs against South Korea with a 7-2 score.

The Caribbean’s opened the scoring in the first frame through a RBI-double by Alex MAYETA. He scored moments later on a bases loaded walk by Osmani URRUTIA for a 2-0 lead. Everybody thought it would be an easy victory.

But after three scoreless innings, Korea tied the game in the fifth through RBI-singles by Kim Nam PARK and Yung-Kyu CHOI. Cuba’s answer came immediately. They loaded the bases in the bottom of the same period and Frederich CEPEDA (3-4) came through with a two-run-single for the 4-2 advantage. They added three more in the eight on RBIs by Ariel PESTANO, Eduardo PARET and Yoandry URGELLES.

Left-handed flame thrower Aroldis CHAPMAN (W 1-0) gave up six hits, two runs and a walk in seven impressive innings. He struck out nine. Yunieski MAYA closed out the game with five punch-outs for a save.

Jan Ho BAE started for South Korea. He allowed two hits, two runs and a walk, before he left the mound with two outs in the first inning. Ya-Gob JIN P (L 0-1) took the loss after 4 1/3 innings of relief. He was charged for two hits, two runs and three walks.