As expected, Cuba and Japan are out of the first round and will move on to Tokyo in the second round of the World Baseball Classic after dominating their first two Pool A games.
Unfortunately for Brazil and China, they suffered debilitating losses to both nations and were immediately eliminated from contention.
Brazil had their game on lock, but they couldn't hold on to the lead late in their first game against Japan. The 2006 and 2009 WBC champions rallied back with three runs in the eighth to survive a scare from a dangerously talented Brazilian team.
Cuba looked to have lost some of its sting after Brazil controlled the scoreboard early on in their game. Cuba was held hitless up until the fifth inning. However, as many athletes would tell you, it's not about how you start, but how you finish. Cuba came alive and put way Brazil for their first victory of the WBC.
The next victim was China. They looked like they stood no chance against the Japanese. This was quickly proved as Japan defeated China 5-2 in their second matchup. Cuba followed up most recently, earlier on Monday, by completely embarrassing China and bouncing them from competition. Cuba won that game 12-0 and completely controlled the tempo of this game.
Next up in the bracket for Cuba and Japan are the contenders of Pool B. Currently, Australia is eliminated following their loss to Chinese Taipei and Korea. Chinese Taipei appears in as they are 2-0 as Korea and Netherlands will have to battle for the final spot.
Things could get extremely complicated in Pool B as Chinese Taipei and Korea meet in the final game of the tournament. The Pool A & B bracket will not be complete until Tuesday when Pool B wraps up their games.
