Cleveland Sports Forum

Friday, October 07, 2011

Canada shut out Chinese Taipei and is still undefeated

Two Home Runs give the Win to the Maple Leafs over Asian team

Chun Chen batting fifth in the order was 0-3 with a pair of strikeout.

Aguadulce (Coclè, Panama).

Canada picks up the fourth win in the Baseball World Cup and is still undefeated (4-0). The Maple Leafs collected eight hits, but just scored four times. That was enough to beat Chinese Taipei which couldn’t do nothing to avoid the defeat. Two power shots over the fence, a solo-homer by Jaime Romak and a two-run homer by Tim Smith, close the game and the bullpen gets the victory.

The two pitchers had a good start striking out three players each. After a scoreless first inning Canada broke the tie: Jimmy Van Ostrand scored on a double by Shawn Bowman and a sacrifice fly by Cole Amstrong (1-0). The second Canadian run came through Jaime Romak who hit a solo-homer to the left of the field.

Nick Bucci controlled well the opposing bats and just in the fifth he allowed two singles, but Chinese Taipei couldn’t score. This was the only opportunity for the Asians.

In the sixth inning Canada increased the advantage and the credit went to a homerun for the second time in the match. With a player on base, Tim Smith hit the ball over the fence and secured the result of 4-0.

The Canadian relief pitchers Andrew Albers, Dustin Molleken and Mike Johnson made a good job, pitching four innings of no-hit ball.

Friday, October 07, 2011

Favorites don’t miss beat after Off Day at 2011 Baseball World Cup

Cuba, Panama, Netherlands, Canada improve to 4-0 – USA, Italy, Venezuela with 3 Wins

Panama City, Panama.

The favorites at the 2011 Baseball World Cup didn’t miss a beat to the off day and continued to surge on Thursday as the competition resumes with eight games. In Group 1 three teams sit at the top of the standings with perfect 4-0 records, as Panama, the Netherlands and Canada cruised past Japan, Puerto Rico and Chinese Taipei. Additionally defending champion USA went to 3-1 with a shutout over Greece. In Group 2 Cuba edged out Olympic champion Korea to remain at the top as the lone undefeated team. Venezuela and Italy follow after victories in key matchups against continental federation rivals Dominican Republic and Germany. Australia ended its scoreless and winless streak against Nicaragua.

Group 1

Netherlands 5 – Puerto Rico 0

Recap

The Netherlands didn’t miss a beat after the off day and shut out Puerto Rico 5-0 on Thursday afternoon at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City. It was their fourth victory in as many games at the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. A dominant performance by starting pitcher Tom Stuifbergen (W, 1-0) and homeruns of Sidney de Jong and Bryan Engelhardt led the way for the European powerhouse. Puerto Rico dropped to 1-3 with their only win coming from a thrilling contest against Team USA.

USA 3 – Greece 0

Recap

It took the USA two offensive innings to get a 3-0 win against Greece in the first game after the day off at the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. A good performance by Greek starter pitcher Thedor Bourdaniotis, and his reliever Panagiotis Sikaras, stopped the United States bats which just scored in the first and fourth. The second BWC homerun by Matt Clark secured the American win.

Japan 2 – Panama 6

Recap

Not even the presence of Japan’s Ambassador to Panama, Ikuo Mizuki, could help the Asian baseball powerhouse in their meeting with Panama on Thursday evening at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City. The hosts improved to 4-0 with a 6-2 victory. They scored three runs in the first three innings and three in the ninth to seal the deal, as they are on the verge of clinching a spot in the second round.

Canada 4 – Chinese Taipei 0

Recap

Canada picks up the fourth win in the Baseball World Cup and is still undefeated (4-0). The Maple Leafs collected eight hits, but just scored four times. That was enough to beat Chinese Taipei which couldn’t do nothing to avoid the defeat. Two power shots over the fence, a solo-homer by Jaime Romak and a two-run homer by Tim Smith, close the game and the bullpen gets the victory.

Group 2

Nicaragua 3 – Australia 4

Recap

Three pitchers led Australia to their first win in the IBAF World Cup. The Aussies beat (4-3) Nicaragua at the end of a very close game, in which the Central American lacked the timely hitting that could have reversed the trend of the game. Ryan Searle earned the win pitching 5 innings and allowing 3 runs, while Andrew Russell (3 innings) and Brendan Wise (who got the save) went scoreless. Nicaragua's manager Dennis Martinez sent 4 pitchers to the mound. Reliever Juan Serrano suffered the loss.

Venezuela 6 – Dominican Republic 3

Recap

Venezuela went 3-1 in the tournament after a solid performance against Dominican Republic. The Venezuelans scored 6 runs between the second and the fifth inning, forcing the Dominican staff to two changes on the mound. On the other side, Venezuelan starter Yozmar Carreño allowed only two singles and two walks until the sixth, when, after two walks and a single, Jorge Guzman took the mound, but could not prevent the Dominican from scoring three times out of a sac fly by Dionys Cesar and a 2-run single by Juan Richardson, but the Caribbean comeback ended here.

Italy 7 – Germany 2

Recap

Italy collected their third win of the IBAF World Cup beating (7-3) Germany. A defensive error kept alive the first at bat of the Azzurri that took clear advantage of it, scoring four runs and setting the pace. A home run by Jairo Ramos in the sixth opened the score. The only inconvenient for Italy was a game delay of 30 minutes because of the danger of an electric storm, that spoiled Italy's plan about the rotation and the Azzurri had to go pretty deep into the bullpen.

Cuba 4 – Korea 1

Recap

A beautiful pitcher’s duel between Cuba-South Korea was sparked off a two-run homer hit by second baseman Yulieski Gourriel in the fourth, after Alfredo Despaigne’s single off reliever Lim Hyun Jun, who had just entered the game, replacing Lee Chang Ho. Korea avoided the shutout in the sixth, but a two-run double by Alexei Bell secured the 4-1 victory in a rematch of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Impressive defensive plays highlighted the contest.

Notes

Team Japan is solely relying on amateur players to compete in the Baseball World Cup. 23 players are from clubs in the Industrial League, Hiroya Kawamitsu came straight from the University to Panama….The Netherlands won the first six games of the 2009 Baseball World Cup….The Japanese Ambassador to Panama, Ikuo Mizuki attended the game between Japan and Panama at Rod Carew Stadium…..Germany’s Donald and Sascha Lutz are brothers and collected one single apiece against Italy on Thursday.

Standings

Group 1

1) Canada 4-0
1) Netherlands 4-0
1) Panama 4-0
4) USA 3-1
5) Puerto Rico 1-3
6) Chinese Taipei 0-4
6) Japan 0-4
6) Greece 0-4

Group 2

1) Cuba 4-0
2) Venezuela 3-1
2) Italy 3-1
4) Dominican Republic 2-2
4) Korea 2-2
6) Nicaragua 1-3
6) Australia 1-3
8) Germany 0-4

Outlook

The luck of some of the undefeated teams in the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup will end over the next couple of days, as we are entering the final stretch of the first round. Since the teams will keep wins and losses from games against fellow qualifying teams, the weekend will be crucial. On Friday Panama and Canada will meet in a matchup of 4-0 clubs at Rod Carew Stadium in the evening. At the same time Team USA and the Netherlands will square off in Aguadulce. Also in Group 1: Japan vs. Chinese Taipei and Puerto Rico vs. Greece. In Group 2 Italy will try to dethrone Cuba in Chitre. Additionally Germany is playing vs. Venezuela, the Dominican Republic vs. Australia and Korea vs. Nicaragua.

Schedule, Friday, October 7

14h00 Japan – Chinese Taipei
14h00 Puerto Rico – Greece
14h00 Germany – Venezuela
14h00 Dominican Republic – Australia
19h30 Canada – Panama
19h30 USA – Netherlands
19h30 Italy – Cuba
19h30 Korea – Nicaragua

Paolo Espino confirmed as a starter against Japan
Einar Diaz of Panama confirmed this morning that the right-hander Paolo Espino will be designated to open against the Japanese team in the fourth game of the Panamanian team in this World Cup of baseball.

"The pitcher against Japan will be Paolo Espino", Diaz confessed, "now take the opportunity to come early and let go a little further. The whole team has to rest this afternoon and tomorrow until 3 pm, so the important thing is that they are a little loose and ready for tomorrow. "

Espino rose to victory in the first game for thef Panamanian team after throwing six innings against the team from Greece. The player's numbers were eight strikeouts, allowed three runs on five hits and a total of 83 pitches before the European team.

Espino says he is ready for another challenge

(No time to translate the translation)

Although the manager Einar Diaz, after the victory over Puerto Rico on Tuesday, was very reserved to refer to his next starter and would only say that "on Thursday we will see who opens," that the advantage was for Paolo Espino to receive the ball to try to bring this important victory to the troops of the canal. With four days of rest and encouragement through the roof, Espino held on Wednesday a mild workout routine, which passed the time, aware of the great responsibility that lies ahead .

'I feel good and I've been preparing all week for this game and I am ready to open against Japan. I ran a little and did a bullpen ready to stay soft, "said Espino, a righ handert that comes from playing in the categories AA and AAA with the Cleveland Indians.

The right-hander said that because Japan has had a poor presentation this event they can't be trusted, "and most importantly I have had a good rest and feel peaceful to go out and do my work on the mound." "I will take the field to give my hundred percent to pitch like I always have , everything but be confident, you never know what can bring a team, "he said.

On Wednesday, the righty, which frequently uses his fastball, after stretching and short distance running, he dropped 15 shots in a session of bullpen which he used to search the area and stay in rhythm. "It's not so great (routine), but they always do to stay," said Espino, recalling at times some passages in his debut against the Greek team, which marked the first victory for Panama in the World Cup.

At that meeting, Panamanian starter pitched six innings where he allowed three runs, struck out eight and one ticket. "I saw the Japanese team and I think they have problems with breaking pitches. Basically I work with a straight ball, but it depends on what it takes to master them and mixed up my pitches the same, "said Espino.

This year the right, which belongs to the Cleveland Indians organization, compiled a won-lost record of 8-1 and 2.77 ERA in ERA, adding the two leagues in which he played. When asked how he feels when his cousin Damaso Espino is the receiver, said they have a good chemistry. "We're pretty close. Both played in the U.S. and we talk all the time. Last year in 2010, he was my catcher practically throughout the year and I learned much more and because of that we have a good chemistry, "he said. "He's family. It is behind the plate and I know he will give everything for me and certainly gives me more confidence, "he said.

Friday, October 07, 2011

Japan cannot stop Panama

Host of 2011 Baseball World Cup moves to 4-0 with 6-2 Victory

Panama City, Panama.

Not even the presence of Japan’s Ambassador to Panama, Ikuo Mizuki, could help the Asian baseball powerhouse in their meeting with Panama on Thursday evening at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City. The hosts improved to 4-0 with a 6-2 victory. They scored three runs in the first three innings and three in the ninth to seal the deal, as they are on the verge of clinching a spot in the second round.

Panama didn’t waste any time in the beginning and took a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Jose Macias reached with a one-out walk, moved to third and scored on a groundout by Fernando Seguinol. They added two more runs thanks to a RBI double by Damaso Espino in the second and a RBI single by Conception Rodriguez in the third. Three runs in the ninth, courtesy of doubles by Luis Castillo and Angel Chavez provided some insurance.

Japan had managed to keep things close until the end, but it was not enough to get into winning lane. They got on the board in the second inning, when Ryochi Adachi scored on a double play groundball to first base by Shigeki Nakano. In the third Panamanian shortstop Angel Chavez only was able to stop a groundball by Yuichi Tabata with two outs, who later came around to score on a double by Toshiyuki Hayashi. Japan hit a few balls hard afterwards, but Panama’s outfielders ran down long flyballs at the warning track.

On the mound both starting pitcher didn’t last long. Japan’s Ken Togame (L, 0-1) was charged with the loss, conceding two hits, two runs and a walk in just two innings. Paolo Espino, who had received the win in the BWC opener last Saturday, went four innings, issuing seven hits and two runs in a no decision. Gilberto Mendez (W, 1-0) replaced him, retired nine of the ten batters he faced for his the win in relief.

After picking up four wins in four games, Panama is now going to face Canada, USA and the Netherlands in the next three days, which have a combined record of 11-1 in the tournament. The Maple Leafs will be up next on Friday evening in Panama City. Japan is squaring off with Chinese Taipei in the afternoon game in a duel of winless teams.

Japan wins Pitcher’s Duel for first „W“

Three Runs were enough to prevail in Asian Encounter against Chinese Taipei, as Naobumi Mitsuhashi went the distance

Panama City, Panama.

Japan has finally won its first game at the 2011 Baseball World Cup. They prevailed in a pitcher’s duel against Chinese Taipei on Friday afternoon at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City. Team Nippon took the lead with a two-run third and never looked back. The game saw just eight hits overall, as both defenses dominated for most parts of the contest. Chun Hsiu Chen hit a solo homerun for Chinese Taipei, which remains winless after five games in the tournament.

Chinese Taipei however had the better start. After a scoreless first Chun Hsiu Chen opened the next period with a solo homerun over the left field wall. However it would be the lone run in the game for the team from the Asian island. And this wouldn’t be enough to celebrate a win. Japan turned the score around in the third, when Takato Kobayashi delivered a two-out two-run single for a 2-1 advantage. One frame later Mayo Sakagami pushed a third run over the plate with a sac bunt, extending the lead to 3-1.

The big star of the match was Naobumi Mitsuhashi (W, 1-0). He went the distance, allowing just the solo homerun, a pair of singles, a walk and a hit batter in nine innings. He struck out ten and faced just five over the minimum in the first complete game of the tournament. Yao Lin Wang (L, 0-2) was charged with his second loss, conceding three hits, two runs and three base on balls in three innings.

Chinese Taipei is now looking for its first victory on Saturday, squaring off with Greece at Remon Cantera Stadium in Aguadulce. Japan will be on the same field a few hours later, taking on Puerto Rico.

Chun Chen was 1-4 scoring the lone Taipei run with his solo blast striking out one time.

Saturday, October 08, 2011

Netherlands keep down United States and through the first round

Duth Team had fewer hits than USA but built the win by a good start

Aguadulce (Coclè, Panama).

Netherlands is still undefeated after the game against United States. Seven runs in two offensive inning get an important win to Dutch team which through the first round two games in advance (7-5). The key of the match was the power of European bats and a bad performance of USA starting pitcher. Useless the American attempt to recover the match in second half.

The evening game at “Ramon Cantera” in Aguadulce showed United States, back from three strength win, and Netherlnads, one of three undefeated teams. The match didn’t disappoint.

USA chose Matt Shoemaker as starter and Netherlands answered with Diegomar Markwell.

In a sold out stadium the American pitcher had a bad start and the Dutch team showed its power shot: with two player on base, walked and single, Curt Smith hit the ball over the fence (3-0).

United States came back in the second inning and changed the scoreboard when Thomas Mendonca crossed the plate on a single by James Gosewisch (1-3). But Netherlands increased the advantage on another slump of Shoemaker. In a situation of full bases, Jonathan Shoop hit a triple and went to home on an error of USA shortstop (7-1).

United States tried to recovered another time and Allen Pollock hit a solo-homer. It wasn’t enough to replay to Europeans.

The Usa reliefs Justin Cassell, Jeffrey Beliveau and Scott Patterson were able to stop the Dutch bats, but Amercian team couldn’t do nothing against Markwell who managed well the allowed hits. When the European starter gave signs of slump, two straight single by Garcia and Jackson, Leon Boyd went on the mound, allowed a hit down the right line (4-7), but closed the seventh.

In the ninth United States still scored on a single by Pollock, but lost on base two player and Netherlands won.

The USA Joe Thurston had the best offensive performance with 4 hits on 4 at bat and 3RBI’s.

Saturday, October 08, 2011

Netherlands, Panama with Upsets in Group 1 of Baseball World Cup

Hosts and Dutch Team improve to 5-0 with big Wins over Canada and USA

Panama City, Panama.

The final standings of Group 1 might look a lot different as many experts expected before the 2011 Baseball World Cup. On Friday evening the Netherlands first used seven early runs to prevail against Team USA. A few minutes later Panama used a pair of three-run homeruns to take down Canada, joining the European squad as 5-0 team. In the afternoon Puerto Rico had crushed Greece and Japan had won the Asian duel against Chinese Taipei.

In Group 2 leader Cuba solidified first place with a not-so-easy win over Italy. Solo homeruns put them on track to edge out the European champion. Venezuela is following in second place with a 4-1 record thanks to a comeback win over Germany. Australia made things interesting for the weekend, as they blew a lead, but still prevailed in extra innings versus the Dominican Republic. Also Korea celebrated an important victory over Nicaragua.

Group 1

Japan 3 – Chinese Taipei 1

Recap

Japan has finally won its first game at the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. They prevailed in a pitcher’s duel against Chinese Taipei on Friday afternoon at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City. Team Nippon took the lead with a two-run third and never looked back. The game saw just eight hits overall, as both defenses dominated for most parts of the contest. Japan’s starting pitcher Naobumi Mitsuhashi pitched a complete game. Chun Hsiu Chen hit a solo homerun for Chinese Taipei, which remains winless after five games in the tournament.

Puerto Rico 10 – Greece 1

Recap

Puerto Rico doesn’t miss the afternoon game in Aguadulce and picks up a win over Greece (10-1). The Caribbean team makes little effort in the first half of the game and increases its advantage in the last three innings where they scored six times. 14 hits, with one homerun by Cesar Crespo, and a bad performance by the European defense, four errors, open the way to the victory.

Canada 3 – Panama 12

Recap

Host Panama used a pair of three-run homeruns to storm 12-3 past Canada in a key Group 1 matchup between previously undefeated teams on Friday evening at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City. Panama joined the Netherlands as second 5-0 team in the pool and cruises into the second round. The Maple Leafs were able to erase an early 0-3 deficit, but couldn’t come back a second time and have to settle for their first loss.

USA 5 – Netherlands 7

Recap

Netherlands is still undefeated after the game against United States. Seven runs in two offensive innings deliver an important win to the Dutch team which is through the first round with two games to play (7-5). The key of the match was the power of European bats and a bad performance of USA starting pitcher. Unsuccessful the American attempt to recover from the deficit in the second half.

Group 2

Germany 5 – Venezuela 10

Recap

Germany scared Venezuela with five runs on seven hits off starter Jesus Yepez in the first two innings, but then Venezuela cambe back and built their win on a seven-run rally in the top of the fifth inning against starter Philipp Hoffschild, who left with one out, after having allowed a total ten hits. Left-handed curve ball specialist Juan Colmenarez earned the win pitching as a reliever. Johnny Caraballo and Luis Torres pitched the last three innings.

Dominican Republic 9 – Australia 11

Recap

Australia blew a 7-1 lead midway through the eighth, but still got away with an 11-9 victory over the Dominican Republic. With the win they improved to 2-3 in the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup and they are now tied in the standings with their opponent from Friday afternoon. The five-hour contest was decided through IBAF Extra-Inning Tiebreaker Rules in the tenth innings. Australia scored four runs mainly thanks to a bases clearing double by Mitch Dening. The Dominican team couldn’t come back a second time and had to settle for the loss. They had tied the game with four runs in the bottom of the ninth.

Italy 1 – Cuba 5

Recap

A brave Italian side played seven strong innings against Cuba. But it was not enough. Italy could not score despite getting to Cuban All Star pitcher Fredy Alvarez with good contacts in the early innings. Where pitching didn't take the Seleccion, it was Yuliesky Gourriel's turn to show why he is the secret dream of every single scout in the Major League circuit. In the second inning, he delivered three great plays in a row to keep Italy off the scoreboard. The Caribbean line up was able to punish every single mistake made by Italian starter Carlo Richetti. Castillo and Abreu got the first two runs on the on the scoreboard on a couple of solo homers and Cuba didn't need to look back.

Korea 6 – Nicaragua 4

Recap

South Korea defeated 6-4 Nicaragua in Omar Torrijos Stadium and could count on a good performance from the pitching staff and a defense that produced two double plays in key moments of the game. With bases loaded, Nicaragua scored in the first the first run of the game against South Korea, out of two walks and a defensive error by sub-mariner pitcher Jong Huen Park, with an RBI grounder by first baseman José Guido.

Notes

A total of 108 doping tests, 76 in competition and 32 out of competition, are planned for the Baseball World Cup accordance to the WADA Code and IBAF Anti-Doping Norms. Two players are tested each day in the first round under the supervision of Anit-Doping Commissioners Dr. Gianfranco Beltrami (ITA) and Dr. Gilberto Ante Vidal (CUB)…. Germany’s catcher Kai Gronauer, who is playing Double-A in the New York Mets organization, threw out base runners successfully in six of his seven stolen base attempts against him. He didn’t play on Friday, resting following catching a night game against Italy……Naobumi Mitsuhashi pitched the first complete game of the tournament. The only other pitcher who came close was Korea’s Hyon Taek Oh, who was on the mound for 26 outs in a shutout against Australia on Tuesday….Canada’s starting pitcher on Friday, Scott Richmond, had a 9-14 record with an ERA of 5.26 in 33 MLB appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays between 2008 and 2011.

Standings

Group 1

1) Netherlands 5-0
2) Panama 5-0
3) Canada 4-1
4) USA 3-2
5) Puerto Rico 2-3
6) Japan 1-4
7) Chinese Taipei 0-6
8) Greece 0-6

Group 2

1) Cuba 5-0
2) Venezuela 4-1
3) Korea 3-2
4) Italy 3-2
5) Dominican Republic 2-3
6) Australia 2-3
7) Nicaragua 1-5
8) Germany 0-6

Outlook

With Friday's action, things are getting interesting at the 2011 Baseball World Cup. Defending champion Team USA is after its second loss now even in danger of dropping out of the second round with big matchups against Panama and Canada coming up. Puerto Rico could take advantage with duels against Japan and Chinese Taipei. Canada could return to the race for first place with a win against the Dutch team. In Group 2 Cuba and Venezuela, which will take on Germany and Australia on Saturday, already look towards the second phase. The race for third and fourth is still wide open with four teams battling it out. A key game will be between Italy and Korea on Saturday evening.

Schedule, Saturday, October 8

14h00 Netherlands – Canada
14h00 Greece – Chinese Taipei
14h00 Australia – Venezuela
14h00 Cuba – Germany
19h30 Panama – USA
19h30 Puerto Rico – Japan
19h30 Korea – Italy
19h30 Dominican Republic – Nicaragua
(local times Panama)

Sunday, October 09, 2011

Chinese Taipei against Greece postponed

Rain forced stop of play in third inning

Aguadulce, Panama.

The Group 1 matchup between the winless teams from Chinese Taipei and Greece in Aguadulce, Panama was suspended due to rain in the third inning with the Asian team leading 7-0. A make-up date hasn't been announced yet. Greece will face Japan on Sunday. Chinese Taipei takes on Puerto Rico. Both games will be played in Aguadulce.

Sunday, October 09, 2011

USA vs. Panama Clash postponed until Monday

Game at Rod Carew Stadium on Saturday evening got rained out

Panama City, Panama.

The duel between Team USA and Panama, which was scheduled for Saturday evening at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City, was postponed due to rain after officials and teams waited nearly two hours. The game is supposed to make up on Monday at 2pm local time. With Puerto Rico winning on Saturday against Japan, the defending champion needs to win both of its remaining games in the first round to advance. They will play against Canada on Sunday afternoon. Panama remains at 5-0 and will square off with the Netherlands on Sunday night.

Sunday, October 09, 2011

Crucial Sunday Game Day at Baseball World Cup coming up

First round ends with plenty of open Spots available for 2nd Round

Panama City, Panama.

Rain added some drama to the scene at the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup, as two games got rained out, including the highly anticipated clash of USA and Panama, and others got delayed. On the second to last game day of the first round, just four of eight tickets for the second round are handed out. In Group 1 Puerto Rico shut out Japan to stay alive. Canada won an extra inning thriller against the Netherlands, which undefeated streak ended.

In Group 2 things are getting really interesting. While Cuba moved to 6-0 with a win over Germany, which wasn’t as easy as expected, the situation behind them in the standings is getting tense. Australia continued its recent surge with a five-inning blowout over Venezuela, which now has to fear to lose out on the second round. Also the Dominican Republic and Korea won on Saturday to make statements towards advancing.

Group 1

Netherlands 4 – Canada 5

Recap

In a thrilling duel between two of the top teams in Group 1, Canada prevailed 5-4 in 11 innings on Saturday afternoon at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City to hand the Netherlands its first loss in the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. Both teams are now 5-1 with one game to play in the first round. In a back and forth battle a RBI single by Emerson Frostad in the 11th inning decided the outcome with the IBAF Extra Inning Tie Breaker Rule in effect.

Greece – Chinese Taipei postponed

The Group 1 matchup between the winless teams from Chinese Taipei and Greece in Aguadulce, Panama was suspended due to rain in the third inning with the Asian team leading 7-0. A make-up date hasn't been announced yet. Greece will face Japan on Sunday. Chinese Taipei takes on Puerto Rico. Both games will be played in Aguadulce.

Panama – USA postponed

The duel between Team USA and Panama, which was scheduled for Saturday evening at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City, was postponed due to rain after officials and teams waited nearly two hours. The game is supposed to make up on Monday at 2pm local time. With Puerto Rico winning on Saturday against Japan, the defending champion needs to win both of its remaining games in the first round to advance.

Puerto Rico 6 – Japan 0

Recap

Puerto Rico moves to 3-3 defeating Japan in Remon Cantera Stadium. The final score is 6-0 and the numbers can tell the story of the game: five hits and two errors by Asians couldn’t compete with the Caribbeans which collected 11 valid ones and built the win in the first half. Cesar Crespo had his second homerun in the 2011 Baseball World Cup.

Group 2

Australia 15 – Venezuela 0

Recap

It took only five innings to Australia to win (15-0) against Venezuela a game whose first pitch was delayed three hours because of rain. The Aussies impressed with a 13 hit- 3 home run offense and their starter Chris Oxspring was helped by four double plays in everyone of the first four Venezuelan offensive innings.

Cuba 8 – Germany 2

Recap

Team Germany played at its best against Cuba, and was able to keep an early lead for a long part of the game, counting on a very consistent performance of starting pitcher André Hughes. The Americans rallied back in the fifth and went out of reach with a four-run seventh. Jose Abreu hit a homerun for Cuba, which remained undefeated after six first round games.

Korea 4 – Italy 0

Thanks to another strong pitching performance by starter Hyon Taek Oh Korea shut out Italy 4-0 Friday evening in Chitre. The game didn’t start until 9pm due to rain and the late start of the Australia-Venezuela matchup, but Oh found his rhythm quickly and allowed just five hits in 7 2/3 innings, while striking out 14. The Olympic champion got in front with a solo homerun by Jae Hoon Choi in the fifth. Three runs in eighth, two on a two-run single by Choi, provided some much needed insurance against a strong Italian team.

Dominican Republic 16 – Nicaragua 1

The Dominican Republic crushed Nicaragua 16-1 in six innings on Friday evening to improve to 3-3 and to stay alive in Group 2 at the IBAF Baseball World Cup. They scored in five of the six innings with a six-run rally in the fourth highlighting the contest. Dionys Cesar and Alexis Gomez combined for seven hits, four runs and six RBI. Willy Lebron Perez gave up just two hits in five strong innings for the win. Dwight Britton scored the lone run for Nicaragua, which dropped to 1-5.

Notes

It was just the second win by the Netherlands against Team USA in Baseball World Cup history. In 1998 Rob Cordemans pitched a complete game to lead the Dutch team to a 3-1 victory in Palermo, Italy. However an American professional team had never lost a game to the Netherlands in international competition….Three games at the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup have been rained out so far….with the Dutch loss, only Panama and Cuba remain undefeated in the tournament…Hyon Taek Oh pitched 7 2/3 innings of five-hit ball against Italy. He has now thrown 16 1/3 scoreless innings in the tournament, while striking out 26 in the process.

Standings

Group 1

1) Panama 5-0
2) Canada 5-1
3) Netherlands
4) USA 3-2
5) Puerto Rico 3-3
6) Japan 1-5
7) Chinese Taipei 0-5
8) Greece 0-5

Group 2

1) Cuba 6-0
2) Venezuela 4-2
3) Korea 4-2
4) Australia 3-3
5) Dominican Republic 3-3
6) Italy 3-3
7) Nicaragua 1-5
8) Germany 0-6

Outlook

With the exception of the two rained out games from Saturday, the first round at the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup will be completed on Sunday. In Group 1 Panama, the Netherlands and Canada are advancing into the second. But due to the format of another round robin, their remaining games are very important. USA and Puerto Rico are battling for the fourth spot. On Sunday USA has to take on Canada in a must-win game. Puerto Rico hopes to down Chinese Taipei to raise the pressure for the defending champion. Also the Dutch team is playing against the hosts and Greece faces Japan.

In Group 2 the race for the second-round spots is getting dramatic. Cuba is the lone team, which can plan for the second round. Nicaragua and Germany are out. The rest still has a chance to make it. In the afternoon Australia hopes to extend its winning streak to four games against Germany and Venezuela tries to bounce back from a horrible loss in a matchup with Italy. In the evening the Dominican Republic and Korea will face each other in another key matchup. Cuba closes out the first round against Nicaragua.

Schedule, Sunday, October 9

14h00 USA – Canada
14h00 Greece – Japan
14h00 Australia – Germany
14h00 Venezuela – Italy
19h30 Panama – Netherlands
19h30 Chinese Taipei – Puerto Rico
19h30 Dominican Republic – Korea
19h30 Nicaragua – Cuba

Sunday, October 09, 2011

Chinese Taipei to play Greece on Monday

Make-up of Saturday's rainout re-scheduled for 10am

Panama City, Panama.

The game between Chinese Taipei and Greece, which had to be stopped on Saturday afternoon due to rain, will be made up on Monday at 10am in Aguadulce. Chinese Taipei was leading 7-0 in the third inning, but the game will be replayed from the start, as it was declared a rainout.

Sunday, October 09, 2011

Canada puts Team USA on Brink of Elimination

Brock Kjeldgaard, Shawn Hill lead Canada to stunning 6-1 Win over USA

Panama City, Panama.

Canada defeated Team USA 6-1 on Sunday afternoon to pick up its sixth win in seven games in the first round of the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. The defending champion on the other hand dropped to 3-3 and now needs some help from Chinese Taipei to stay alive. Brock Kjeldgaard put Canada en route to the win with a three-run homerun in the second. He later added a RBI double to cap a three-run ninth, providing some insurance. Shawn Hill pitched 6 1/3 strong innings with the only mistake being a solo homerun by Matt Clark in the seventh.

Canada struck first. Jimmy van Ostrand and Emerson Frostad opened the second inning with a walk and a single to right. Brock Kjeldgaard stepped to the plate and put the Maple Leafs on the winning route with a three-run homerun over the left field fence.

This was the score until Team USA got on the board in the seventh inning with a solo shot by Matt Clark. Otherwise the MLB veteran Shawn Hill had everything under control. He allowed just three hits, that run and a walk in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out four and controlled the US American bats with ease.

But instead of a late comeback by Team USA, Canada added to the lead in the top of the ninth inning. After Chris Bisson walked to lead off the frame, reliever Randy Williams threw away a sac bunt try by Skyler Stromsmoe and everybody was safe on second and third with no outs. Tim Smith singled through the middle to drive in both. He later would also score, coming home on a double by Kjeldgaard.

Team USA got the leadoff runner Matt Clark on base in the ninth. But a fielder’s choice at second base and a pair of strikeouts ended the game in favor of Canada. Todd Redmond (L, 0-1) took the loss, surrendering six hits, three runs and three walks in 5 2/3 innings.

The situation for Team USA just got a bit more difficult with the loss. They now have to hope for a loss by Puerto Rico in the evening against the winless team from Chinese Taipei. Additionally they would have to win the make-up game against Panama on Monday afternoon. Canada is moving up into the second round with a 6-1 record. Their seed in the group 1 standings will be determined after the completion of the first round.

Valbuena joins Cardinals

Carlos Rivas will have surgery and will miss the entire campaign

Friday, October 7, 2011 12: 00 AM

The Lara Cardinals received at practice yesterday the Venezuelan grandeliga of the Cleveland Indians, Luis Valbuena.


According to the head of the Red birds press, the infielder took practice hitting and fielding just before rain prevented complete physical work programmed by the coaching staff.


In addition to Valbuena, the twilight cast on the right-handed pitcher, Raúl Rivero and announced that left-handed Carlos Rivas will not be starting the season of local ball, because he must undergo surgery to repair his left shoulder and then he will have a six-month rehabilitation.


Rivas launched in 11 games of the previous campaign and left at 2-0 with 3.65 in effectiveness.

BASEBALL BRIEFS

Friday, October 7, 2011 12: 00 AM

LEONES

LOBATÓN AND HECTOR RONDON WILL REPORT FOR LATE OCTOBER

The President of the Caracas Leones, Luis Avila, said yesterday that Jose Lobaton, will join the team after October 20 and pitcher Héctor Rondón, who interrupted his rehabilitation by the birth of his son, will come close to the 17th.