The outcome of the make-up game between Cuba and the Dominican Republic could lead to a triple-way tie in Group A of the U-23 Baseball World Cup. Cuba (3-1) is currently in second place, followed by Chinese Taipei (3-2) and the Dominican Republic (2-2). The triple-way tie would happen if the Dominican Republic beat Cuba on Tuesday.
Cuba-Czech Republic 7-1 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE
Chinese Taipei-Dominican Republic 5-0 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE
Mexico-Germany 3-1 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE
Jose Santos went the distance and limited the Czech Republic to a couple of hits.
"Our pitching has been great," commented Cuba's manager Eriel Sanchez after the game. "Jose's contribution today was special. We are not going to have a rest day tomorrow, saving arms may prove crucial."
Sanchez commented with a lot of Group A action ahead of him: "Whatever the score against Chinese Taipei today, the Dominican Republic will be difficult to beat tomorrow. They have a great team. I respect them a lot. We are also a great team, so I believe that game will be fun to watch."
Starter Chi-ting Wang clamped down on the Dominican Republic for four innings. The Dominican bats came to life only against reliever Wen-hui Pan in the top of the seventh, but by the time they were trailing 5-0.
"Our starting pitcher set the tone," said Chinese Taipei manager Shih-hsin Wu through an interpreter. "He did a great job and was backed by a superb defense."
Chinese Taipei had only five hits, including a two-run home run by outfielder Chen Chiu.
Chinese Taipei will now watch the make-up game between Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
"We now can relax and watch, as you said. We have done what we needed to do," said Wu on a final note.
"If you don't play baseball the way it is supposed to be played, you're very unlikely going to win," commented Dominican Republic manager Ramon Genao. "Today our hitters didn't show up."
"I'm confident my players will react to this bad day. Tomorrow, there's not going to be a tomorrow," added Genao.
The Dominican manager announced that 22-year old Cristian Solano would start the game against Cuba: "Actually, everybody on the staff is ready to go tomorrow," Genao said.
Mexico jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning against Germany and never turned back.
"I'm glad I helped the team open the score in the first," said right fielder Augustin Ruiz, who hit a two-RBI double in the first. "We're happy because we reached our first goal. We can't wait to be in Hermosillo."
Mexico's bullpen was solid.
"We are really coming together," said relief pitcher Francisco Villegas. "Our bullpen is made of pitchers who attack the strike zone. Right now, we are in very high spirits. The (super round) in Hermosillo will be tough, but we are here to defend our World Title."
Tuesday, 28 September-the schedule
10.30 am Cuba @ Dominican Republic
Mexico will move to Hermosillo and enter the super round with a 2-0 record.
Germany (1-1) and the Czech Republic (0-2) will stay in Ciudad Obregon to compete in the placement round.
The final composition of the Super Round and Placement Round will be set after Tuesday's game.
