World No. 3 Cuba defeats No. 5 Netherlands 6-5
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<p>TAICHUNG, Taiwan — In Day 3 of the WBSC Premier12 international flagship tournament, world No. 3 Cuba rallied late in the game to defeat No. 5 Netherlands, 6-5, and avoid falling to 0-2 in Group A.</p>
<p>The Netherlands jumped on Cuba starter Frank Montieth, including a two-run homerun by Shawn Zarraga in the fourth inning, to take an early 4-1 lead at Intercontinental Stadium.</p>
<p>Cuba’s offense erupted for four runs in the sixth, supercharged by a long home run by Estaile Hernandez, which put Cuba ahead 5-4.</p>
<p>In the bottom of the sixth the Netherlands tied the game when Andruw Jones darted home from third base to score on a wild pitch.</p>
<p>Cuba put together three hits in the 8th and catcher Yosvany Alarcon was credited with the game-winning RBI, and reliever Jose Garcia secured the win.</p>
<p>The loss for the Netherlands, after an opening day win over hosts Chinese Taipei, puts the Dutch National Team at a record of 1-1.</p>
<p>Cuba will play Puerto Rico in a day game Thursday at Intercontinental, while the Netherlands faces European rivals Italy.</p>
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