MLB news: Cubs spring training notes, Astros rumors, WBC update
By Kevin Henry
MLB news: World Baseball Classic seeing some surprises
While Shohei Ohtani, Lars Nootbaar and Team Japan are looking solid in early play, Cuba has struggled and Italy has benefitted from MLB experience.
Ohtani was dominant on both sides in Japan’s 8-1 win over China inside the Tokyo Dome, logging a double and single in addition to drawing a walk (one of 16 allowed by Chinese pitchers) during a 2-for-4 performance with a pair of RBI. The Angels superstar (who has drawn video game comparisons from a new teammate in Anaheim), allowed one hit and struck five in 4.0 innings of work.
Japan is 1-0 in Pool B play, as is Australia, which stunned Korea with an 8-7 win.
In Pool A play in Taichung, Chinese Taipei, Netherlands is the lone team at 2-0 in the standings after wins over Cuba and Panama. Meanwhile, Cuba is a surprising 0-2 after losing an extra-inning affair to Italy. Former MLB pitcher Matt Harvey drew the start for Italy and handcuffed Cuba by allowing two hits and one walk through three scoreless innings. Vinnie Pasquantino of the Kansas City Royals went 2-for-4, part of an 11-hit outburst for Italy.
You can see the entire upcoming schedule for WBC play here.
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