Cuban southpaw Aroldis Chapman struck out 11 and the defending World Cup champions foiled a late Japanese rally to capture a 5-3 win and advance to the title game on Sunday against Team USA.

Japan, playing without the services of their top two pitchers, continued their impressive showing early as Takashi Saito opened the game with three shutout innings. But Cuba would not be denied and finally solved the Japanese hurler in the fourth inning.

Led by talented center fielder Alfredo Despaigne (3-for-5, RBI) the Cubans crossed home plate three times to grab a lead they would never surrender. Hot-shot third baseman Yuliesky Gourriel along with veterans Ariel Pestano and Eduardo Paret contributed two hits apiece for the nine-time defending champions.

Japan appeared to get back in the game with a run in the seventh to trim Cuba’s lead to 3-1. Six Japanese players had one hit each including third baseman Kenichi Yokoyama who had a two-run triple.

Cuba answered back with two runs in the ninth to go up 5-1 but this time it was Japan who responded. With World Cup record-setting reliever Pedro Lazo on the hill, Yokoyama drove home two runs to make the score 5-3. But the fat lady started singing when Yuniesky Maya replaced Lazo and tallied the final out to secure the win.

The Cubans will be gunning for their 10th straight World Cup championship on Sunday when they face the Americans in a classic battle. Japan will meet the Netherlands on the same day in the 3rd Place game.

Tags: World Cup