Tokyo/Miami. The 2013 World Baseball Classic is entering its decisive phase. Two semifinalists are already known with Japan and the Netherlands. After two-time WBC winner Team Samurai reached the final round in San Francisco on Sunday, the Dutch team – the reigning IBAF Baseball World Champion – followed one day later with an incredible win over Cuba.
While the second round at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan will end with the seeding game on Tuesday, the second round at the Marlins Park in Miami, Florida is going to commence on the same day. The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Italy and the United States are still in the race for the semifinals, hoping to join the Netherlands and Japan at AT&T Park in San Francisco next week.
Netherlands 7 – Cuba 6
The Netherlands remain Cuba’s most feared opponent on the international baseball stage. On Monday evening at the Tokyo Dome the Dutch team celebrated a 7-6 victory behind Kalian Sams’ sac fly in the bottom half of the ninth inning. Prior to the dramatic walk-off finish, Andrelton Simmons had kept the Netherlands in the game with a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth. The Netherlands had beaten Cuba in the Gold Medal Game at the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup and last Friday in the opener of the second round. The Netherlands have reached the final round at the World Baseball Classic for the first time. Cuba has been eliminated.
Outlook
The second round at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo isn’t yet finished. The Netherlands and Japan will say farewell to the fans with the seeding game on Tuesday. It will determine the slot for each team for the semifinals, which will start on March 17 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California.
Meanwhile the second round at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida is scheduled to start on Tuesday. In the afternoon game the Dominican Republic as Pool C winner will take on Pool D’s second ranked team Italy. In the evening Team USA (Pool D winner) square off with another local rival Puerto Rico (Pool C 2nd). In difference to the round robin of the first round, the second round will be played in a modified double elimination format.
Schedule
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Second Round:
19:00 Japan – Netherlands (Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan)
13:00 Dominican Republic – Italy (Marlins Park in Miami, Florida)
20:00 USA – Puerto Rico (Marlins Park in Miami, Florida)
(all times local)
The 2013 World Baseball Classic is officially sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF). The winner will be named IBAF World Champion for the first time. The final round will be played at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California from March 17 to 19. More information including highlights can be found at www.worldbaseballclassic.com
Photo: © World Baseball Classic, Inc
