Cuba became the first finalist today for the Baseball International Cup, after beating Japan 4-1 at the Tricontinental Stadium.
 
A great performance by opener Yulieski Gonzalez and reliever Yadiel Pedroso tipped the game in Cuba's favor, completely shutting down Japan's offense and guaranteeing Cuba's presence in the final on Sunday.
 
Gonzalez pitched seven innings, allowing one run with five hits and a walk, while he delivered 12 strikeouts, four of them for Japan's top batter, leftfielder Akira Nakamura.
 
When Pedroso took over, he struck out anothe four and allowed just one hit in two innings.
 
The Japanese took the lead in the third after a double to left field by catcher Yuhei Nakamura, a sacrifice by centerfielder Itaru Hashimoto, who took it to third, and a bad pitch by the Cuban opener, paving the way home for Nakamura.
 
The Cubans came back with two runs in the bottom of the same inning when shortstop Yorbis Borroto walked, centerfielder Giorvis Duvergel hit a double into right field to tie the score, and then scored shortly afterward with a sacrifice fly by Alexei Bell.
 
A double by designate hitter Yoandri Urgelles and a hit by catcher Ariel Pestano brought the scoreboard to 3-1 in the fourth, with the last run made in the seventh, once again by Yorbis Borroto, batted in by Alexei Bell.
 
Cuba, unbeaten after six games, will play Italy on Saturday and then face a team yet to be determined for Sunday's final.