Cuba Advances to Round Two of 2009 World Baseball Classic

HAVANA, Cuba, March 11 (acn) Pinch-hitter Yosvany Peraza clubbed a two-out, two-run homer in the top of the eighth inning, as Cuba secured a spot in the second round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic with a 5-4 come-from-behind win over Australia in Pool B play at Foro Sol Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Caribbean team grabbed a 2-1 lead in the top of the sixth on a solo homerun from Yoennis Cespedes. However, the Aussies countered with three runs in the bottom half of the sixth. Cuba reduced the gap in the seventh on a Michel Enriquez RBI double and then Peraza sealed the score in the top of the eighth with his game-winning blast.

Cuban starter Aroldis Chapman worked four innings allowing only three hits and one earned run as he struck out seven. However, it was closer Ismel Jimenez who took the win recording the final eight outs of the game allowing no hits or runs.

Australian left hander Travis Blackley opened the game for the Aussies and he gave up one run and five hits in 5 2/3 innings of work. Rich Thompson was saddled with the loss after serving up the homerun to
Peraza.

After this result, Australia faces host Mexico on Wednesday in an elimination game that will give the winner a ticket to Round Two in San
Diego.

(Avanza Cuba a segunda ronda del Clasico de béisbol)