Cuba earns first win, Czech Republic is third

The Czech Republic is a contender for a spot in the super round in group A after the second win in round robin play. Cuba earned its first success and needs two more wins to advance.

Cuba outhit 23-1 and outscored, 27-1 in four innings, Fiji after falling behind in the first.
Fiji took advantage of a single by Isikeli Vereivali, the only team hit of the game, and a throwing error to get on the board against starter Yelson Rodriguez.

The lead didn’t last much. Cuba came back with seven in the bottom half of the frame and added 15 in the second.
Shortstop Johan Rodriguez went 5 for 5 with 4 RBIs and third baseman Alejandro Cruz went 4 for 5 with 5 RBIs. Marlon Sandoval hit a pinch-hit home run.

The Czech Republic outscored, 21-4, South Africa to collect the first win of the tournament and an advantage for the placement round.

The Czech Republic wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard. Leadoff hitter Max Prejda singled off starter Jayden Clarke, stole second and third and scored on a wild pitch. Before the top of the first ended, a heavy thunderstorm forced the two teams into the dugout.

The game resumed after almost three hours and the Czechs were pretty quick to extend the lead with two runs in the second and six in the third, highlighted by a two-run homer by Kristyna El GHannamova.

South Africa bravely fought back against Czech starter Matyas Hasal and reliever Vit Ventruba, but it was not enough to make the score closer. The Czech Republic got easily to relievers Junaid Bedford and Connor Steyn and the game ended after five innings.

It was a good day for the Czech offence