The Cuban team overcame a 1-2 deficit with two outs in the ninth to defeat Australia 3-2 in the opener of the World Cup of Baseball in Taipei.
Osmani URRUTIA hit a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the tenth inning to deliver the decisive run for Cuba. Frederich CEPEDA had tied the game with two outs and a 1-2-count with a homerun over the left field wall in the ninth. The Aussies took a 2-1 lead in the top of the seventh through a RBI-single by Trent OELTJEN (3-5). But their relievers Brad THOMAS (BS 1) and Richard THOMPSON (L 0-1) didn’t get the job done.
Greg WILTSHIRE (AUS) allowed four hits, one run (1 ER) and one walk in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out two.
Eriel SANCHEZ was the starter for the Caribbean team. He allowed three hits, one earned run and two base on balls in three frames. Jonder MARTINEZ relieved the 19-year-old lefthander and threw 5 2/3 innings of four-hit-one-run ball. Pedro LAZO came in with two runners on base in the tenth to earn the win.
The start of the game was delayed two hours due rain.
AUS 001 000 100 0 2 8 1
CUB 010 000 001 1 3 7 2