Taiwan was neutralized by Cuba in the semifinals of the World University Baseball Championships yesterday in Italy.
Cuba's victory meant that it was paired with arch rival the US in the final yesterday, after it beat Japan 2-1 in the other semifinal.
Taiwan had rolled over Italy 14-3 for its spot in the semifinals, but was topped by the Cubans 2-0 and was to face Japan yesterday in the third-place playoff.
Cuba was too strong in all departments for Taiwan, as Pedro Jose Rodriguez hit a two-run home run to give Cuba all the offense it needed. Leslie Anderson had earlier reached first on a base hit.
Alain Soler was the winning pitcher for Cuba, striking out five while allowing just five hits.
In the match against the US, Japan went ahead 1-0 in the second inning on a pair of base hits.
Aaron Hill got things started for the US in the sixth inning, hitting a solo home run off pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada.
The US continued its rally as Michael Aubrey and Conor Jackson combined to drive in another as the US came back from a run down.
Cuba manager Lourdes Gurriel said he was not frightened by the prospect of meeting a team from the US, which beat Cuba in the gold medal game at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
``We know that our chances are good,'' he said.
In other news, Taiwan defeated the US 4-3 to advance to the finals of the World Junior Baseball Championships in Canada. Taiwan will face Cuba in the final.
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