Baseball-Cuba edge Australia to reach second round of WBC

Alfredo Despaigne's fifth-inning grand slam gave Cuba all the runs they would need in a 4-3 win over Australia on Friday to reach the second round of the World Baseball Classic for a fourth consecutive tournament.

Despaigne's blast put Cuba ahead 4-1 and they held on to finish second in Pool B with a 2-1 record, setting up a showdown with Pool C winner Israel on Sunday at Tokyo Dome.

For Australia, who have competed in the WBC all four times, the loss denied them a maiden berth in the second round.

Japan, who had already clinched first place in Pool B and a spot in the second round, routed China 7-1 in Tokyo to remain undefeated through three games.

The two-times WBC champions, who won each of their opening round games in dominant fashion, will open second round play against the Netherlands on Sunday in Tokyo.

Japan's Yoshitomo Tsutsugoh, who had a .364 batting average and two home runs in three games, was named Most Valuable Player of Pool B.

Later on Friday the United States face Colombia in the first game for both Pool C teams in Miami followed by a clash between Venezuela and Puerto Rico in Guadalajara in their Pool D opener.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)