Cuba, Japan advance to 2nd round

“I’m gutted”, Australia manager Jon Deeble said. Yet the only thing everyone will remember is how the bullpen – Toronto Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna and Washington Nationals lefty Oliver Perez – gave the game away in the ninth, allowing five hits, five runs, and a walk without record an out between them. Against the Netherlands, the lineup jumped on 42-year-old (!) starter Robbie Cordemans, peppering him for four hits, two walks and three runs in the first inning to open an early lead that Marquis and eight pitchers-again, all of whom have minor and major league experience-wouldn’t relinquish.

Chinese Taipei has three players, all pitchers, who play for Major League Baseball teams. As mascot Mensch on the Bench looked on from the dugout, Israel plated three runs on an RBI double from Nate Frieman, a Zack Borenstein groundout, and a booming line drive from catcher Ryan Lavarnway.

The Dutch win means South Korea, with two losses, will finish no better than third place.

“Blackley was very economical.he was so efficient and pounding the strike zone”.

“He’s on the team”, Weinstein said.

Pitcher Todd Van Steensel throws in the bottom of the seventh inning during the World Baseball Classic.

Australia, having beaten China 11-0 in Game 4 of the 1 round, faces an always-formidable Cuba tonight at 10 PM EST. Eastern, and are a lock to advance to the second round.

Designated hitter Didi Gregorius contributed three doubles, including the game-tying hit in the eighth inning to power the Netherlands’ offense. “We’ve done a lot with this and we’re just hoping to keep it going”.

With Israel, Japan and Netherlands all heading to Tokyo, they will be joined by the victor of tonight’s AUS/CUB battle.

Joining them will be two teams from Pool B. Japan has already clinched one berth; the other will go Cuba, Australia or China.

“From here, we’ll be facing tougher games”. Israel’s outstanding defense, which included brilliant relay plays from the outfield earlier in the game to gun down Profar and end Dutch threats, finally wobbled when third baseman Ty Kelly had a throwing error.

The Netherlands and Israel are tied at two victories apiece, and they’ll clash at noon Thursday for the top seed in Pool A.

Josh Zeid celebrating Israel’s win over South Korea.