Undefeated Japan (3−0) and the Netherlands (2−1) advanced to the semi-final round, as Israel (1−2) came in third in the pool, and Cuba (0−3) came in fourth.
[2] Former Major Leaguer Jason Marquis (in 5.2 innings on three days' rest) and three Team Israel relief pitchers (including Brad Goldberg and Josh Zeid, who both threw 96 mph fastballs) kept Team Cuba to five hits and one run, a homer by Cuban star Alfredo Despaigne who became the all-time World Baseball Classic home run leader.
[3][4][5] Pool A MVP catcher Ryan Lavarnway had two hits for Israel.
[9] Japan beat Cuba 8−5, backed by two home runs from designated hitter Tetsuto Yamada.
[10] The Netherlands defeated Cuba 14−1, eliminating Cuba from contention to advance to the semi-final round, in a game ended after seven innings under the World Baseball Classic's mercy rule.