Andrys Perez's sacrifice fly helps Cuba to snatch 3-2 win over Germany

Andry Perez’s sacrifice fly helped break the tie in the fourth inning with a run completed by Pedro Revilla to beat Germany 3-2 on Thursday in the Placement Round of the IV WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup.

The Cubans needed two innings to warm up before they could tie the score with the Germans, who scored one run in second and third innings.

Germany led off the second with David Grimes doubling to right field and scoring on a single by Finn Bergmann and a fielder’s choice.

Into the third, Maurice Bendrien was hit by a pitch and a Cody Schultz triple to left centre pushed him to add another run for Germany.

While Cuba was trailing 2-0, Carlos Rodriguez stood at bat with an aggressive approach. He first walked and then stole second base, until Dany Oramas’ triple to right field helped him score a run. Oramas later on scored another run due to a fielding error that tied the game at 2-2.

Just as the tension was starting to build between the two teams, Cuba carried their momentum into the fourth inning with Pedro Revilla doubling to left center. Revilla advanced on a grounder and scored on a sacrifice fly by Andrys Perez to put Cuba ahead 3-2.

Germany had some chances, but all ended up becoming left on bases, while Cuba played steady until they closed the game.

Cuba and Germany now share the same record of 1-2 in the Placement Round, the former will face World No. 6 Venezuela at 11.00 local time, while the latter will meet Puerto Rico at 17.00.