In the clash of the undefeated teams, Taiwan defeated the US 11-6 last night to gain a berth in tomorrow’s final at the WBSC Under-12 Baseball World Cup.
It was a see-saw battle until the Taiwanese youngsters struck a knockout punch in the last frame, scoring four runs on five hits to prevail.
The dramatic contest generated a rousing atmosphere among the crowd, with fans packed into the Tainan Municipal Stadium to cheer on the hosts.
Photo: CNA
Both sides had their offense fired up. Taiwan lead 4-3 after the opening frame with the US drawing level at 5-5 in the second inning.
Taiwan edged ahead 7-6 after the fifth frame, before hitting the winning runs.
In the other key match-up, Cuba handed Japan their second loss in as many days, defeating the “Little Samurai Warriors” 5-2.
Photo: CNA
Japan went to an early 2-1 lead, but Cuba stormed back to overturn the deficit with three runs on four hits in the third inning to go in front 4-2.
After that, relief pitcher Yanquiel Fernandez shut the door with seven strikeouts and no runs leaked for the win.
The other top contest had Nicaragua and Venezuela going into extra innings after the score was tied at 1-1 after six frames, which is the standard length of games at the under-12 level.
Pitchers and the defense on both sides held fort before Venezuela’s batters opened the flood gates, grabbing eight runs in the ninth frame, while Nicaragua mustered two runs, putting the final score at 9-3 in Venezuela’s favor.
To determine the final playoff picture, today’s games have Japan taking on Venezuela at 10am, while the US and Cuba renew their fierce rivalry in the afternoon contest at 2:30pm.
In consolation-round action yesterday, Brazil pounded Australia 9-1, Mexico beat slumping South Korea 5-3 and France edged Russia 5-4.
Taiwan face Nicaragua at 6:30pm, with all the games at the Tainan Municipal Stadium.
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