WBC Monday roundup

A good day of baseball in WBC action. I only got half of my four predictions correct. I guess I'm batting .500. Not bad.

In Pool A, the South Koreans defeated Japan 1-0 to clinch the top seed for Pool 1 in the second round. I've already documented that I'm feeling for the Japanese in that matter.

In Pool C, Italy defeated Canada, 6-2, knocking the host Canadians out of the tournament on their home turf! Ouch! This a major disappointment for Canada, which had a stellar lineup but suspect pitching. Neither came through in the loss. Italy now takes a stab at even better competition as they face Venezuela in a qualifier for Pool 2 and a right to face the USA for top seed in the group.

In Pool D, a good win for Puerto Rico, coming back with three runs in the 8th to upend another Dutch upset bid, 3-1. The Netherlands mustered just five hits and just one of them for extra bases. That's often recipe for few runs. Puerto Rico advances while the dutch must now go through a revenge-minded Dominican Republic team to qualify for Pool 2.

In Pool B, Mexico eliminates South Africa, 14-3 and awaits the winner between Cuba and Australia for another elimination/advancement game.