Japan Defeats Cuba, Castro Unhappy

In last night’s World Baseball Classic, Japan defeated Cuba 5-0 at PETCO park in an elimination game that assured them a spot in the semi-finals.

Hisashi Iwakuma was brilliant for Japan allowing five hits over six innings. He was low in the zone, then he was high. He moved batters off the plate then hit the corners. In short, the guy knows how to pitch.

Japan is now going to the final-four along with the US, Venezuela, and Korea in Los Angeles this weekend. Korea and Japan will meet tonight in what works out to be a meaningless game but will help determine the match-ups for the semi-finals over the weekend. The championship game will be Monday night on ESPN @ 9:30.

All along I have called for a Japan vs. US final. Japan with the superior pitching, the US with the superior hitting. It would bring a worldly answer to the classic question of who wins good pitching or good hitting, well at least for one night.

In other WBC action the US lost to Venezuela 10-6 in what was a meaningless game. Both teams have already qualified for the semi-finals. Most of the damage was caused by a wild throw by Adam Dunn playing first base that led to four unearned runs. The US will be starting Peavy in the first round of the Semi-finals on Sunday, opponent TBA.

Other Stories on Bronx Baseball Daily

• Cano, Marte Return from WBC with Injuries
• Pics of Derek Jeter Playing Against the Yankees
• Highlights of Derek Jeter Playing Against the Yankees
• Live Blogging Yankees Taking on Team USA
• Yankees Weekend Roundup