Cuba is the only team at the World Cup of Baseball in Taipei without a loss. They crushed their rivals from Venezuela 10-0 in seven innings to raise their record to 5-0.
Yulieski GOUERRIL started the scoring with a RBI-single into right field in the first period. They added six runs in the second to decide the contest, including a two-run-double by Alex MAYETA, who missed a homerun by inches. Two runs in the seventh sealed the early ending due to ten-run-rule.
GOUERRIL, Eduardo PARET, Ariel PESTANO and Rudy REYES scored twice. Alfredo DESPAIGNE batted two runners in.
Yadel MARTI (W 1-0) threw 6 2/3 perfect innings to start the game. He was relieved in the seventh frame, after he had given up his only hit. He struck out five.
Jackson PAZ (L 0-1) had big problems right from the start. He was replaced with no outs and the bases loaded in the second frame. He gave up four hits, six runs and three walks. Former major leaguer Beiker GRATEROL relieved him and lasted till five innings. He did a better job of controlling the Cuban offense. He was charged with six hits, two runs and two base on balls.
GRATEROL was also involved in an incident in the fifth. He graced the helmet of DESPAIGNE with a pitch, prompting both benches to clear on to the field. But play was resumed minutes later without any punches thrown.
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