Canada beat Cuba, will play for bronze medal in U-18 Baseball World Cup

Canada beat (4-2) Cuba at the end of a game that was not going to influence the standings of the super round of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017.  Canada will play in the bronze medal game against Japan on Sunday 10 September at 12 noon local time (4 pm CET; 11 pm Japan).
Cuba never had a lead and Canada starter Michael Stovman earned the win going 8 innings.

Canada get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third. With one out, Parente singles off starter Yorlian Rodriguez. He steals second and scores on a fly by second baseman Julien misplayed by Cuba left fielder Mesa. It’s the last inning of work for Rodriguez, who is replaced by left hander Marlon Perez.

Cuba ties it in the top of the fifth off Canada starter Michael Stovman. With 2 outs, center fielder Roidel Martinez is on with a base hit to center, then he steals second and scores on a full count base hit by Chapelli.

Canada takes a new lead in the bottom of the sixth. Center fielder Keyes singles to center, steals second and gets to third on a ground out. Cuba intentionally walk Brookman, but left fielder Willow doubles with a line drive in the gap to left center and scores Keyes, while Brookman reaches third. Perez strikes out Bremner but then allows a deep fly to left center that is worth a double and cleares the bases. It’s all for the left hander and Brian Chi heads to the mound. The right hander gets out of the inning striking out center fielder Keyes.

Cuba cut the gap in the top of the eighth. Chapelli leads off with a walk. Second baseman Prieto drops a bunt and turns it into a base hit. Third baseman Triana sacrifices (bunt) to advance both runners and Chapelli scores on shortstop Gonzales ground out to third. With Prieto at third, Cuba send to the plate pinch hitter Fadragas. On his first pitch, Stovman gets him out on a comebacker to the mound.

An error by shortstop Bremner gives a chance to Cuba to have the potential tying run at home plate. Neither pinch hitter Alonso nor Roidel Martinez can fill the task against reliever Jack Decooman.

Willow gets to first after his key hit (Christian J Stewart-WBSC)