Cuba Pitchers Fan 16 in 4-1 over Japan
By Circles Robinson
HAVANA TIMES, Oct. 29 — Cuba qualified for the finals of the Intercontinental Cup on Friday with a 4-1 win over Japan. Yulieski Gonzalez struck out 12 rivals in seven innings and reliever Yadier Pedroso added four more in the final two for a whooping 16 total.
Japan scored its only run in the top of the third to take a brief 1-0 lead on a double by Y. Nakamura, a sacrifice and a wild pitch.
However, Cuba came back in the bottom of the inning to score twice and take the lead for good. Giorvis Duvergel doubled to score shortstop Yorbis Borroto who had walked and then Duvergel came home on a sacrifice fly by Alexei Bell.
Cuba’s other runs came on a Pestano single to drive in Yoandry Urgelles who had doubled to start the fourth inning. In the seventh inning Borroto singled and later scored on an RBI hit by Bell.
In all, Cuba pounded out 14 hits to Japan’s six and neither team committed an error.
Cuba (4-0) now sits alone undefeated atop the second round tournament standings. It’s final second round game is Saturday vs. Italy.