World Baseball Classic 2013 Results: Underdogs Defying the Odds

Japan may have won the last two World Baseball Classics, but there's some prime competition this year, including a few underdogs who are playing above expectations.

We've already seen some scintillating games, from Italy's upset of Mexico to Cuba's defeat of Japan. It's not a coincidence that both of those victors make this list.

Here's a look at three underdogs defying the odds at the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Italy

Italy may have only played one game so far, but the way the Italians battled back against favorite Mexico on Thursday showed tons of character.

Headed into the Pool D matchup, Italy had three players of note from Major League Baseball: young first baseman Anthony Rizzo, outfielder Chris Denorfia and reliever Jason Grilli.

Rizzo and Denorfia played a big part in the thrilling 6-5 win, combining to go 4-for-10 with two RBI and three runs. Although Grilli labored in the ninth inning, he ultimately got the save.

Every time Italy burst out to the lead on Thursday, Mexico seemed to roar back.

Italy scored two runs in the first. Mexico countered with three runs in the bottom of the inning and another run in the second. Italy scored two runs to tie it in the fourth. Mexico scored another to take the lead in the fifth.

Italy was facing its final three outs against San Francisco Giants closer and world champion, Sergio Romo, after being blanked for four straight innings. The Italians proceeded to score two runs to take the lead, again.

Mexico loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth inning, but Grilli got Jorge Cantu to ground out to end the ballgame.

These are the kind of games that can propel teams far beyond expectations.

Cuba

Cuba isn't a heavy underdog for the title this season, but the squad was ranked sixth in the odds coming into the 2013 WBC (via Bovada).

The Cubans were outstanding in Pool A play, winning all three matchups in the first round, including a 12-0 blowout of China and a 6-3 victory over defending champion Japan.

Headed into Thursday's second-round contest against the Netherlands, Cuba had scored 23 runs in three games, aided by six doubles, one triple and four home runs. A whopping seven players were batting over .300.

On top of that, Cuba had the lowest ERA (1.08) among all WBC teams headed into Thursday's matchup and had notched 27 strikeouts in 25 innings. All three of their starting pitchers hadn't allowed a run.

Chinese Taipei

This is the first year in Chinese Taipei's history that it has advanced to the second round of the World Baseball Classic. The squad did so by defeating Australia and scoring a convincing 8-3 victory over the Netherlands.

Headed into Thursday's second-round matchup against Cuba, Chinese Taipei ranked second in runs and fourth in ERA among all WBC teams.

Before the clash against Cuba, outfielder Dai-Kang Yang was batting .333 with one home run and four RBI in three games.

This team may not have much firepower overall, but it has certainly defied expectations this year.