[Mattymo]

Quarterfinals

Cuba 3, United States 0
W: Hector Murillo (1-0) L: Ben Sheets (1-1) S: Danys Baez (2)
HR: CUB: Angelo Balencia (2)
POG: Hector Murillo, SP, CUB: 8 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 4 BB, 11 K

Dominican Republic 4, Canada 2
W: Francisco Liriano (2-0) L: Erik Bedard (0-1) S: Jose Valverde (1)
HR: DR: Rafael Furcal (2)
POG: Francisco Liriano, SP, DR: 6 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 8 K

Puerto Rico 9, Japan 4
W: Javier Vazquez (2-0) L: Sukejuro Nomura (1-1)
HR: PR: Javier Valentin (1) JAP: Kei Hatsutori (2)
POG: Angel Pagan, RF, PR: 3-5, 4 RBI

Venezuela 9, Mexico 1
W: Edward Mujica (2-0) L: Cristian Mendoza (1-1)
HR: VEN: Miguel Cabrera (1), Cesar Izturis (2)
POG: Cesar Izturis, 3B, VEN: 2-4, HR, 4 RBI, R

Recap:
-Game of the Day- Cuba pulled perhaps the biggest upset in the short history of the World Cup, downing the Americans who were yet to lose a game and were the defending champs. Hector Murillo was dominant for Cuba, who failed to advance in 2009.

-Player of the Day- Hector Murillo, SP, Cuba- The righty dominated the Americans, who boast perhaps the best offensive lineup ever assembled. He struck out 11 and allowed only 4 hits.

-Only Venezuela makes a repeat appearance in the semifinals after beating Mexico in the quarterfinals for the 2nd consecutive World Cup.

-Mexico's Cristian Mendoza started on 2 days rest for the 2nd time in the WC. He was obviously and understandably not up to par. You've got to question the decision to go with the ace in that spot.

-It might look like a shock that Puerto Rico beat Japan, but the Japanese don't have a lot of Major League players on their club. It was more of a shock that they made it to the finals in 2009. However they do have some young talent and will make a splash in 2016.