WBC News: Italy, The Netherlands Post Upset Wins, Japan Rolls on

Diegomar Markwell  turned in six solid innings of one run ball and Jonathan Schoop knocked in four runs with a homer and a double as The Netherlands beat Cuba 6-2 in the start of Round 2 WBC play.

Markwell  surrendered nine hits over his six innings of work, but was helped by  five double plays. First baseman Curt Smith also homered for The Netherlands. Andrelton Simmons went 2-for-4 with a walk and had a brilliant defensive game, factoring into all five double plays.

The Netherlands will next face the winner of Chinese Taipei and Japan as it attempts to advance to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic. Cuba moves on to the loser’s bracket in the modified double-elimination round.

Italy rallied for two runs against Sergio Romo who fell victim to some shoddy outfield defense by Edgar Gonzalez  beat Mexico 6-5 in Pool D play of the World Baseball Classic. Mexico tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases against Jason Grilli before Jorge Cantu grounded out to end it.

Pool D play will continue Friday afternoon, when Canada takes on Italy. Mexico and the United States will have their showdown Friday night

Friday morning (U.S. time), Japan edged Taipei 4-3 in 10 innings in second-round action. Infielder Hirokazu Ibata went 3-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored. Taipei will face Cuba on Saturday, while the Netherlands and Japan will do battle on Sunday.