World Baseball Classic 2013 Qualifying Results: Spain's Win Will Be Its Last

Spain defeated South Africa in the qualifying stage of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, but it will not be able to get past Israel in its next game.

Israel has yet to lose a game in the qualifiers at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. Spain has rallied from a loss against the Israelis early in the tournament to find its way into the finals.

In their most recent match, the Spanish routed South Africa 13-3, getting three RBIs from right fielder Yasser Gomez as he went 4-for-5 from the plate. The victory eliminated South Africa and improved Spain’s record to 2-1.

Israel defeated South Africa in its opening game 7-3 behind two home runs from Nate Freiman. The 6’7” first baseman and San Diego Padres prospect continued to show incredible power when the Israelis took on Spain, blasting two more home runs to account for every run in his team’s 4-2 victory.

That win pushed the Israelis into the finals while the Spanish had to defeat South Africa to earn a rematch.

Now the teams will face each other for the second time in three days to determine which team will get a chance to play in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, and the result will be the same. 

The Israelis have proven to be the best team in the group behind Freiman’s bat, and the country’s first-ever team to compete in the tournament will win its qualifying group. 

The team consists for three Israeli-born players and 25 Jewish Americans, according to Asher Zeiger of the Times of Israel. Zeiger also notes that Gabe Kapler and Shawn Green, both former major leaguers, are player-coaches for the team.

With a perfect blend of young talent and top-level experience, the Israelis will not be beaten with so much on the line. 

Spain has made a valiant effort to rebound from the earlier loss, but it has won its last game at the World Baseball Classic qualifiers, and Israel will win and advance to the next stage of the tournament.