29/07/2019 1 Minute Read

Chinese Taipei, Japan and Cuba win in group A

Japan scored nine in the first and 30 in three at-bats against Fiji. Cuba used three pitchers to no-hit South Africa and the offense added 11 hits, including three home runs, to secure the victory

Chinese Taipei defeated the Czech Republic, 16-0 in 5 innings.
Chinese Taipei improved to a 3-1 record, while the Czech Republic is now 2-2, tied with Cuba.

Chinese Taipei wasted no time in getting to Czech starter Michal Cajz. A four-run first inning was highlighted by a two-run homer by third baseman Huang Tien Szu.

With Chinese Taipei leading 9-0, a great catch by Czech right fielder Kristyna El Ghannamova on a fly in the gap to right-centre by shortstop Yeh Hung Jen prevented Chinese Taipei from scoring the tenth run in the fourth at-bat.

Another two-run homer, by right fielder Yu Yan Cheng, set the pace for the early finish after five innings.

Kuo Chen An, Chen Yu An and Chang Yao Yuan limited the Czechs offence to 3 hits.

There was not going to be competition between the absolute beginners Fiji and undefeated Japan. The young Samurai did want to make it clear from the start. They scored nine in the first against Samu Tamata and went on to win 30-0.

Three Japanese pitchers, Yusei Izumi, Takuto Miyake and Kazuki Takahata, allowed only two hits, while the line up provided 23, including home runs by first baseman Takuto Suzuki (2) and third baseman Hironosuke Namatame.

Japan’s offence proved overwhelming

Cuba outscored, 13-0 in five innings, South Africa to earn the second win in group A. Cuba and the Czech Republic will now face an elimination match on Tuesday, 30 July.

Cuba’s offence combined for 11 hits, including home runs by Alejandro Prieto (2) and Christian Saez, against four South African pitchers.

South Africa reached base once, on a walk. Boris Sarduy, Mailon Batista and Johan Rodriguez combined a no-hitter and nine strikeouts, with Batista earning the win.