Dominicans beat Colombia in 11 innings at WBC

Welington Castillo hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the Dominican Republic's seven-run 11th inning, sending his country to a 10-3 victory over Colombia in their final pool game of the World Baseball Classic on Sunday.

The defending champions, who were coming off a dramatic 7-5 victory over the United States on Saturday night, advanced to the second round Tuesday in San Diego. The Dominicans have won 11 straight in the tournament.

"Those guys gave us one heck of a battle," Dominican Republic manager Tony Pena said of Colombia.

Jose Bautista and Carlos Santana began the 11th as the designated runners at second and first base, part of the tournament tiebreaking rules. Mel Rojas Jr. advanced Bautista and Santana with a sacrifice bunt. Gregory Polanco was walked intentionally before Castillo sent a line drive into left-center off William Cuevas.

Jean Segura added a three-run double, and Carlos Santana singled in Robinson Cano to help close it out for the Dominicans. Added as a late replacement for the injured Hanley Ramirez, Segura went 3 for 5 in his first tournament appearance.

"I was very happy to be part of this great team," Segura said. "It is the greatest thing that has happened in my career."

Colombia had an opportunity to win the game in the bottom of the ninth when pinch-runner Oscar Mercado was called out at home while attempting to score on Reynaldo Rodriguez's fly ball to left. Colombia manager Luis Urrueta argued unsuccessfully that Castillo blocked Mercado's path to the plate as he caught Bautista's throw, and plate umpire Tripp Gibson ejected Rodriguez and outfielder Tito Polo during the dispute.

After the game, Urrueta said Gibson made the correct call.

"For me he was out, I don't see anything controversial," Urrueta said. "Maybe the emotions got to the players. That's normal. You cannot think we lost the game for that reason."

Enny Romero pitched a perfect 10th inning with two strikeouts for the win.

Manny Machado hit an RBI double in the third and scored on an error, helping the Dominican Republic to a 3-1 lead. But Colombia got one in the sixth on Mauricio Ramos' double, and Jorge Alfaro connected for a tying homer against Fernando Rodney in the eighth.

"We were 90 feet away from surprising the world and leaving the Dominicans with their mouths open," Urrueta said. "We did not win, but we won a lot inside and a lot of respect by the people."

Milwaukee right-hander Wily Peralta started for the Dominican Republic and pitched four innings of one-run ball. He struck out six and walked one.

Colombia's hopes of advancing to the second round depended on the United States-Canada result later Sunday. A three-way tiebreaker possibility exists if Canada defeats the United States in their final pool game.

"We truly demonstrated we can play baseball on the big stage against countries like the United States and the Dominican Republic," said Colombia reliever Ernesto Frieri, who pitched two scoreless innings. "For Colombian baseball, we made history. We didn't get the victory but to compete against world powers that says it all."

Japan stays perfect

Sho Nakata drove in two runs with a single in the 11th inning as Japan beat the Netherlands 8-6 on Sunday to improve to 4-0 in the World Baseball Classic.

Under the tournament's tie-breaker rule, the 11th inning started with runners at first and second base.

Seiya Suzuki bunted to advance the runners and set up Nakata's clutch hit to left field.

Japan took a 5-1 lead in the third inning but the Netherlands tied it with four runs in the bottom of the frame, including a two-run homer by Wladimir Balentien.

Israel remains undefeated

Israel took advantage of timely hits and solid pitching to beat Cuba 4-1 and improve to 4-0. 

Alfredo Despaigne put Cuba up 1-0 with a solo home run in the second inning at Tokyo Dome but Israel tied the game in the fourth on a double by Ryan Lavarnway that scored Ike Davis from first.

Team Israel took a 2-1 lead in the sixth when Zach Borenstein singled to right scoring Ty Kelly from second base. Blake Gailen made it 3-1 with a two-out double to right that scored Nate Freiman.

"We didn't light up the scoreboard today but we were able to get the timely hits when we needed them," Borenstein said. "Things are just clicking for us right now."

Israel tacked on another run in the eighth on a sacrifice bunt by Gailen that scored Borenstein from third.

Starter Jason Marquis gave up one run on four hits over 5-2/3 innings. Zach Thornton picked up the win after coming on in the sixth and recording four outs.

"I had a little more left in the tank but it was the right time to take me out," Marquis said. "The bullpen did a great job and hopefully we can keep it going and get the win tomorrow."