World Baseball Classic: Cuba Worked the Miracle Towards Tokyo

Planet Earth turned in the opposite direction like a supernatural phenomenon and Cuba went from hell to paradise after defeating Chinese Taipei (7-1) today in their farewell to group A in the Baseball Classic.

After two consecutive setbacks at the opening of the tournament, the Caribbean team was already heading out of the tournament and only a miracle would make it possible to travel to Tokyo, Japan, venue for the second phase.

Risking everything, forced to win no matter what, manager Armando Johnson's squad defeated Panama (13-4) on Friday and, after a combination of almost unimaginable results, had the chance in their hands against the local squad.

Although the also decisive match between the Netherlands and Italy remains, the tie-break system already ensures a place for Cuba in the next round and the right to dream for its millions of fans.

In the 'do or die' match against the Asians, Cuba batted four runs in the

First inning, with a double hit by Yoan Moncada, a throwing error by shortstop Yi Chiang, an a scoring hit by Alfredo Despaigne and a home run by Erisbel Arruebarena, his first in the tournament.

Aware of the importance of the match, on the second inning Yadir Drake and Yadil Mujica opened with hits, and run batted in by an infield play by Roel Santos and a home run by Major Leaguer Moncada (Chicago White Sox).

On the third inning, the winners suffered the loss of starter Elián Leyva (2.1, 0C, 1H), who felt a cramp in his right forearm and had to leave the mound to the murmurs of relief from Taiwanese fans.

But reliever Miguel Romero (Oakland A's) was superb in 2.1 scoreless innings, just a single and three strikeouts, with a total of 35 pitches.

With a double by Drake and an RBI single by first batter Roel Santos, Cuba widened the lead in the fifth, while nearly 20,000 souls suffered at the Taichung Intercontinental Stadium.

The win went to the undefeated Romero (2-0) and the lost to left-handed Chen Shih-Peng (0-1, 1.1, 5C, 4CL, 5H, 0K, 0BB, 1HR), unable to brake Cuba’s hits.

After this outcome, the Netherlands (2-1) dominates the group, but Cuba momentarily leads the triple tie with 2-2, completed by Panama (2-2) and Chinese Taipei, while Italy (1-2) will close their schedule tonight.

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Result:

Chinese Taipei 1 4 1

Cuban 7 13 0

Won: Miguel Romero (2-0)

Lost: Chen Shih-Peng (0-1)

Home runs: Yoan Moncada, Erisbel Arruebarena