Cuba broke the score open in the second inning. German pitchers struggled with control and allowed a total 11 walks. Germany's pitchers struggled to throw strikes and Cuba took advantage to win 10-3 on day four of Group A play in Ciudad Obregon. Cuba scored four runs in the second inning without a single hit, and added three more in the third with three hits to build a 7-1 lead after three. Three more runs in the top of the fifth had Cuba ahead 10-1 before Germany had recorded its first hit. Alexander Schmidt finally notched a hit for Germany in the bottom of the fifth and the Germans knocked three more hits around Estadio Yaquis in the bottom of the sixth to score two more runs. Schmidt would single for a second time in the bottom of the seventh, finishing the day as the only German player with two hits. David Grimes doubled for Germany for the second straight day, and Danny Lankhorst scored two runs in addition to his RBI triple. Yandi Yanez and Miguez Gonzalez both reached base four times for the victors, while Rangel Ramos finished the game with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI. The real star for Cuba was starter Marlon Vega, who gave up just one hit while striking out eight. Sebastian Oetterer was the only German pitcher to keep Cuba from scoring, tossing two hitless innings to end the ballgame. Germany's pitchers walked a total of 11 Cuban hitters in the game. The setback was tough for a German team that had earned its first victory a day earlier against the Czech Republic. Germany will end the group stage of play with a Monday night game against defending the U-23 World Champions, Mexico. Cuba heads into Monday's matchup with the Czech Republic as winners of two straight. (Photo: WBSC)

The designated hitter went deep in the fifth inning of a very well played pitching duel against Chinese Taipei. Cuba is in the mix for a spot in the super round. Box score Cuba became the final team to earn a victory in Group A, knocking off previously unbeaten Chinese Taipei 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Estadio Yaquis. Chen Shen-Ping opened the scoring in the top of the first with an RBI double, and for the first four innings it looked as if Chinese Taipei was going to ride another strong pitching effort to a third consecutive victory. However, Cuba took advantage of a rare mistake in the bottom of the fifth. Chinese Taipei starter Lin Yu-Min began his fifth inning of work with a groundout of Ivan Prieto and followed that up with a strikeout of Yandi Yanez. He then struck out Reynaldo Zagada, but Zagada was able to hustle to first, reaching on a wild pitch. Given an extra out, Cuba took the lead with one swing when Yuddiel Gonzalez deposited a 1-1 pitch over the wall in center field. "I was just trying to put the ball in play," commented Gonzalez. "Thank God, I got a good piece of hit and put us ahead. That relieved the pression we felt." Chinese Taipei got the tying run aboard with one out in the seventh, but Yoel Cruz slammed the door shut with a flyout and a strikeout of Chang Wen-Hsien. Cruz earned the victory with 2.1 innings of one-hit ball, striking out five batters and throwing 23 of his 33 pitches for strikes. His outing came on the heels of a strong start from Jonathan Carbo, who scattered two hits across 4.2 innings of work. While Chinese Taipei is still in a good position to advance to the Super Round at 2-1, there has to be a little concern about the fact that, for the second straight game, the team failed to score a run after the first inning. The team left seven men on base on Saturday, failing to take advantage of five walks by Cuban pitching. Cuba's next opponent will be the German national team, which also picked up its first win of the tournament on Saturday. Chinese Taipei will face Mexico in the Sunday night game in Ciudad Obregon. (Photo: WBSC)

Starting pitchers Alemao Hernández and Bryan Chi were perfect for three innings. The first hit of the night, a solo homer by Fabricio Macías, set the tone for the hosts. After a disappointing defeat on opening night, the reigning U-23 World Champion, Mexico, picked up its first win of the tournament on Friday night, defeating Cuba 5-0 at Estadio Yaquis in Ciudad Obregón. The game was much closer than the final score would indicate. The starting pitchers - Cuba’s Brian Chi and Mexico’s Alemao Hernández - matched each other zero for zero through the first three innings before Mexico got on the board in the top of the fourth. Box score Fabricio Macias, Mexico’s leadoff man, blasted the first pitch of the inning over the wall in left to put his team in front for the first time in the tournament. Macías would come around to score again two innings later on a Tirso Ornelas two-out single into right. That sixth inning hit knocked Chi out of the game. Hernández came out to start the bottom of the sixth for México, but was lifted after striking out Loidel Chapellí. Reliever Herrera Hernández yielded a two-out double to Rangel Ramos, but got out of the inning unscathed. México added three insurance runs in the top of the seventh and Rabago Robles retired the side in order in the bottom of the seventh to preserve the victory. Macías and Agustín Ruíz led the Mexican offense with two hits each, while Reivaj García was the only player to drive in two runs for the victors. Alemao Hernández was simply dominant, throwing 50 of his 68 pitches for strikes, and giving up just two hits in his 5.1 innings of work. He struck out four without walking a batter. Chi, who pitched for Cuba at the Americas Olympic Qualifier earlier this summer, fanned six without walking a batter in his 5.2 innings of work. There was not a single walk issued by either side in the contest. México heads into a showdown with the Dominican Republic on Saturday night, while Cuba will face a tough task taking on the only 2-0 team in Group A – Chinese Taipei – on Saturday afternoon at Estadio Yaquis. (Photo: WBSC)

Japan remain's baseball's top-ranked nation, while Korea has hit its highest-ever ranking, climbing to No. 2 PULLY, Switzerland -- The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) today released the latest WBSC Baseball World Rankings, following the results of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The WBSC awarded a total of 1,239 points toward the WBSC Baseball World Rankings, based on the final standings of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Baseball Tournament: JPN - 1st place - 375 pts USA - 2nd place - 308 pts DOM - 3rd place - 240 pts KOR - 4th place -173 pts ISR - 5th place - 105 pts MEX - 6th place - 38 pts Following a gold-medal performance in baseball at the Tokyo 2020 Games, Japan (4,290 total pts) remains No. 1 in the world, amongst a total of 85 currently ranked baseball nations. Korea (3,423 pts) has climbed to its highest-ever ranking, at No. 2 in the world, surpassing now No. 3 Chinese Taipei (3,315 pts). No. 4 United States (3,077 pts) and No. 5 Mexico hold (2,270 pts) hold their respective positions in the rankings. Behind the nation's historic bronze medal, the Dominican Republic (2,063 pts) has climbed to No. 6 in the world, tying the nation's highest-ever ranking, as No. 7 Australia (1,946 pts) falls one place. No. 8 Netherlands (1,740 pts), Europe's top-ranked baseball nation, and No. 9 Canada (1,713 pts) each have advanced one place in the rankings, while No. 10 Venezuela (1,619 pts) holds its position. No. 24 Israel's rankings remains unchanged. The WBSC Baseball World Rankings measure National Team performance — from U-12 to Professional — in WBSC-sanctioned international competitions over a four-year period. The complete WBSC World Rankings and formula can be found at https://rankings.wbsc.org. (Top photo: Team Japan during theTokio'2020 Olympics: WBSC)

The Major League All Star game had stars from many countries participating in the event. Below were some of the global stars. The winning pitcher and the talk of the All Star game was Japan’s double threat on the mound and at the plate Shohei Ohtani. He retired the side in order in his one inning of work and also got two at bats, the first player ever to make the team based on both his pitching and hitting exploits. The MVP of the game, and the youngest MVP of an All Star game was Vladimir Guerrero Jr, from the Dominican Republic. Vladimir also grew up in Montreal, Canada when his dad played for the Montreal Expos. The closer for the American League was Australia’s own Liam Hendriks. Fernando Tatis, Juan Soto and Rafael Devers are three young stars from the Dominican Republic ready to make an impact in the major leagues. Jose Ramirez and Nelson Cruz are part of the old guard that continues to shine. The Dominican Republic had easily the most players outside the United States represented in the All Star game. The Venezuelan catcher Salvador Perez may be the best in the game. Eduardo Escobar also represented Venezuela well. Adolis Garcia has been a surprise and was the lone Cuban who played in the game. Xander Bogaerts was born in Aruba but represented the Netherlands in a number of international events. Myworld first saw Bogaerts when he played for the Netherlands in the last world cup in 2011, when the Netherlands took down Cuba in a rain soaked game to win their first gold medal in an international baseball tournament. Ozzie Albies was born in Curacao and also represented the Netherlands in international events. It will only be a matter of time before a player from an African country is asked to play in the major league All Star game. Will that be South Africa or some country like Uganda, whose interest in baseball has been increasing. (Top photo of Adolis García/AP: Gabriel Christus)

It used to be the Futures Game would pit the United States prospects versus the world. That is no longer the case. Now it is American League versus National League. Below are the rosters of the Future game. These are some of the top prospects in major league baseball. American League Pitchers - Shane Baz (Rays/Durham), Bryan Bello (Red Sox/Portland), Reid Detmers (Angels/Rocket City), Marcos Diplan (Orioles/Norfolk), Luis Medina (Yankees/Somerset), Cole Ragans (Rangers/Hickory), Josh Winder (Twins/Wichita), Cole Winn (Rangers/Frisco), Hector Yan (Angels/Tri City) Catchers - Adley Rutschman (Orioles/Bowie), Tyler Soderstrom (Athletics/Stockton), Bo Naylor (Indians/Akron) Infielders - Vidal Brujan (Rays/Durham), Jake Burger (White Sox/Knights), Jeter Downs (Red Sox/Worchester), Austin Martin (Blue Jays/New Hampshire), Nick Pratto (Royals/Northwest Arkansas), Spencer Torkelson (Tigers/Erie), Bobby Witt Jr (Royals/Northwest Arkansas) Outfielders - Yoelqui Céspedes (White Sox/Winston Salem), Jasson Dominguez (Yankees/FCL), Riley Greene (Tigers/Erie), Jarred Kelenic (Mariners/Tacoma), Pedro León (Astros/Corpus Christi), Julio Rodriguez (Mariners/Arkansas) International Stars from American League Dominican Republic - Bryan Bello, Marcos Diplan, Luis Medina, Hector Yan, Vidal Brujan, Jasson Dominguez, Julio Rodriguez Cuba - Yoelqui Céspedes, Pedro León Canada - Bo Taylor Colombia - Jeter Downs National League Pitchers - Cade Cavalli (Nationals/Harrisburg), Jake Eder (Marlins/Pensacola), Andre Jackson (Dodgers/Tulsa), Matthew Liberatore (Cardinals/Memphis), Nick Lodolo (Reds/Chattanooga), Max Meyer (Marlins/Pensacola), Quinn Priester (Pirates/Greensboro), Manuel Rodriguez (Cubs/Iowa), Ethan Small (Brewers/Nashville) Catchers - Francisco Alvarez (Mets/Brooklyn), Luis Campusano (Padres/El Paso), Willie MacIver (Rockies/Spokane) Infielders - Brett Baty (Mets/Brooklyn), José Barrero (Reds/Louisville), Michael Busch (Dodgers/Tulsa), Nolan Gorman (Cardinals/Memphis), Marco Luciano (Giants/San Jose), Bryson Stott (Phillies/Reading), Michael Toglia (Rockies/Spokane) Outfielders - Brennen Davis (Cubs/Tennessee), Mike Harris II (Braves/Rome), Heliot Ramos (Giants/Richmond), Alek Thomas (Diamondbacks/Amarillo), Ryan Vilade (Rockies/Albuquerque), Drew Waters (Braves/Gwinnett) International Stars from National League Mexico - Manuel Rodriguez Venezuela - Francisco Alvarez Cuba - José Barrero Dominican Republic - Marco Luciano Puerto Rico - Heliot Ramos 16 International players were selected for the Future game, a number that would fall short of a roster. The majority of international players are from the Dominican Republic (8) with Cuba the second most (3). All other countries plus Puerto Rico could only garner one player. (Cover photo of Yoelki Céspedes/MLB)

Three Cubans did defect after arriving in Miami for the Olympic qualifier. The biggest name of the trio was César Prieto, a 22 year old second baseman who was considered one of the top players in Cuba. He batted .403 in his last year with Cuba and appeared to have nothing to gain by staying in Cuba. César did not even play in the Olympic qualifier, leaving his hotel and jumping into a car shortly after the Cuban team arrived in Miami. Cuba was critical of the defection, but they do not want to see players leave without getting some compensation for their departure. They have contracts with NPB teams where players get compensated but the Cuban league also gets some percentage of that salary. Alfredo Despaigne, Livan Moinello and Yurisbel Gracial are three players who have a contract with the Softbank Hawks. Andy Rodríguez was another one of those players who signed a contract with the Softbank Hawks. Most of his time was spent in the minor leagues. The 22 year old pitcher was supposed to leave for Japan after the Olympic qualifier had ended to return to the Hawks, but as the Cuban Baseball Federation noted he chose to “violate his contract with the NPB team”. It will be interesting how major league baseball handles the defection of Rodriguez since he technically has a contract with an NPB team through Cuba. The third defection was a 35 year old pitcher Lázaro Blanco. While he is considered one of the top pitchers in Cuba and was good enough to make the Cuban national team, his age may hamper a major league team from signing him. This will not prevent him from getting interest in teams from the Mexican League, which is reported pays a much higher salary that what he would earn in Cuba. So a big blow for Cuba, not just because of the players they lost, but because they had players abandon the team before they even played a game. That put them at a disadvantage with 24 man rosters dropping to 21. It also plants a seed for other Cubans to defect once they play in international tournaments. Unless Cuba is willing to pay to put these players on 24 hour watch it will be difficult to keep them from defecting. Rodriguez and Prieto should sign big time contracts with major league clubs. It may not be in the $10 to $50 million contracts they signed a few years ago, but they should reach close to seven figures. Cuban baseball would like to make an agreement with major league baseball to get a small percentage of that coin. (Photos of César Prieto, Andy Rodríguez, and Lázaro Blanco/AP)

Eddy Alvarez, the first Winter Olympian to play Major League Baseball (MLB), is the only player with Games experience named in the 24-man roster for the United States baseball team at Tokyo 2020. Alvarez, 31, was part of the US team that won silver in the 5,000 metres relay in short track speed skating at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. When he made his MLB debut on August 5 last year he also became the first non-baseball Olympian since decathlon legend Jim Thorpe to play the sport at that level. The roster for the first US Olympic team since the one that won bronze in Beijing 13 years ago - the last time the sport was included at the Games - contains no active MLB players. Players on 40-man rosters but not active ones had been expected to be allowed to play, but COVID-19 and potential travel restrictions complicated matters and it means some players who helped the Americans qualify are not involved. But the roster includes some former MLB All-Stars and top minor-league prospects. USA Baseball has named its 24-man roster for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics ©Getty Images Twelve players return from the team that won the Olympic qualifying tournament and officially booked Team USA's place in Tokyo. Apart from Alvarez, the infield group notably contains a two-time MLB All-Star in Todd Frazier. The outfield group contains big-league experience too. Tyler Austin spent time in MLB from 2016 to 2019 with four teams, playing mostly with the New York Yankees. Austin then signed in Japan and currently plays for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. Nippon Professional Baseball is pausing for the Olympics, so its stars can play. Patrick Kivlehan played in MLB from 2016 to 2018 before re-emerging this season in limited playing time with the San Diego Padres. Kivlehan is included along with Bubba Starling, who spent parts of 2019 and 2020 with the Kansas City Royals. Pitching should be a strength of the Americans, as the group boasts two top-100 prospects, two World Series champions and multiple MLB All-Stars. The prospects are Simeon Woods Richardson and Shane Baz, while Scott Kazmir and Edwin Jackson have a world of experience. Additionally, David Robertson is seeking to become the first person to win the World Series, World Baseball Classic and an Olympic gold medal. (Top photo of Eddie Alvarez/Getty Images)

Hosts Curaçao defeated Cuba at the third time of asking in the final of the Caribbean Baseball Cup to win the third edition of the tournament in Willemstad. Following 14-7 and 7-0 wins over the hosts, Cuba headed into the final as firm favorites, but it was Curaçao who claimed the cup thanks to a surprise 4-3 victory. Stephan Vidal was important to his side's win, having hit two doubles and scored two runs, while team mate Ulrich Snijders hit a double, towed two and scored one run. Cuba's best batter of the day was Andrys Perez, who hit a double to score one run, but his efforts were in vain as they fell to a shock defeat. Yoelkis Guilbert also got on the scoresheet with a run from a double. Although ending up on the losing team in the final, Cuban Pavel Quesada was named the Caribbean Baseball Cup Most Valuable Player of the tournament, after leading in hits with 10, in doubles with four and tying with the highest number of home runs with two. The Caribbean Baseball Cup was initially set to be held in April, but the event was moved due to a surge of COVID-19 cases. This year's tournament was dedicated to the memory of the late President of the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) Higinio Vélez Carrión, who died in mid-May at the age of 74 after complications related to COVID-19. He had been in head of the FCB since 2008 until his death. (Top photo: COCABE, Photos of Team Curacao: Curacao Team Facebook page)

Cuba continued their sensational form with a 13-0 thumping of Peru at the Caribbean Baseball Cup in Willemstad. Box score The emphatic victory means Cuba finish the group phase undefeated, matching the record set by the Dominican Republic, who have come through with unblemished records in two previous editions. For Peru, this was another heavy defeat having been on the receiving end of a 18-0 thrashing to hosts Curaçao yesterday. The Peruvians were unable to match a potent Cuban side who chalked up another win in the competition. Cuba’s offensive game was led by Pavel Quesada and Osvaldo Abreu, while Yoelkis Guilbert, Yasniel Gonzalez and Juan Carlos Arencibia also made strong contributions. Rider Zevallos and José Francisco Salas produced the best batting displays for Peru but Cuba proved too strong courtesy of excellent pitching from Cesar Garcia. Favourites Cuba are now due to meet Curaçao in tomorrow’s final. The Caribbean Baseball Cup was initially set to be held in April, but the event was moved due to a surge of COVID-19 cases. This year's tournament is dedicated to the memory of the late President of the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) Higinio Vélez Carrión, who died in mid-May at the age of 74 after complications related to COVID-19. He had been in head of the FCB since 2008 until his death. (Top photo: COCABE)

Cuba earned victory over Curaçao at the Caribbean Baseball Cup after their national team was permitted to resume competition following positive COVID-19 cases. Box score The Cuban team was forced to isolate after six people in their delegation - three players, one coach and two other staff members - tested positive. Doctor Alcala, deputy director of health for COVID-19 affairs in Curaçao, permitted the team to return to play but ordered the six individuals to remain isolated. The Cuban team returned to competition in impressive fashion as they overcame hosts Curaçao 7-0 to record their third consecutive win and maintain their 100 per cent record. Curaçao now have a record of two wins and two defeats from their matches to date. Their record is matched by Peru, who suffered a surprise 10-5 loss to the US Virgin Islands today. The US Virgin Islands improved their record to one win and two defeats. Cuba and the US Virgin Islands are due to play each other twice to make up for the postponed match between the two sides. Curaçao and Peru will hope to strengthen their position as the second ranked team when they meet. The Caribbean Baseball Cup was initially set to be held in April, but the event was moved due to a surge of COVID-19 cases. This year's tournament is dedicated to the memory of the late President of the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) Higinio Vélez Carrión, who died in mid-May at the age of 74 after complications related to COVID-19. He had been in head of the FCB since 2008 until his death. VIDEO: Curazao vs. Cuba, Jun 30, 2021 (Top photo/COCABE)

A game at the Caribbean Baseball Cup between the United States Virgin Islands and Cuba has been suspended due to potential COVID-19 cases between the teams. Six possible cases were detected through anti-gen tests requested by the Curaçao Government upon entering the nation. A negative polymerase chain reaction test and anti-gen tests must be given on entry to Curaçao, followed by another set of tests on the third day in the country. Those suspected to be infected with COVID-19 are three players, one coach and two more staff members from Cuba. Both nations are due to play a double-header on Friday (July 2). Organisers will continue to test players and staff, but the Caribbean Baseball Confederation has confirmed all those who tested positive are not showing any symptoms. Hosts Curaçao did get to play in Willemstad, defeating Peru 17-2 to move onto two wins from three. The win meant the hosts had scored 32 runs in their past two games. They started with six runs in the second inning, followed by five in the third, two in fourth and four in the fifth, to seal the victory. Aldair Daal batted a home run and a triple to score three, while Riordan Windster scored a three-run homer and a two-run homer - playing a huge part in the nation's convincing win. Roberto Ayarza scored his second home run for Peru, to help get his side on the board. Initially, the Caribbean Baseball Cup was set to be held in April, but this was moved to May due to a surge of COVID-19 cases before being pushed back again to now. This year's tournament is dedicated to the memory of the late President of the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) Higinio Vélez Carrión, who died in mid-May at the age of 74 after complications related to COVID-19. He had been in head of the FCB since 2008 until his death. (Top photo: Yahoo Sports)