Cubans hit six homers, beat South Africa in Classic debut

Frederich Cepeda smashed two home runs, part of a record six-home barrage from Cuban batters, as the Caribbean squad defeated South Africa 8-1 on Sunday in a World Baseball Classic opener.

Cuba also had homers from Yulieski Gourriel, Yoennis Cespedes, Alfredo Despaigne and Hector Olivera in breaking the old Classic mark of four homers in one game set by Dominican Republic against Venezuela in 2006.

Cuba will play on Tuesday against the winner of a later game between Australia and host Mexico for a second-round berth in San Diego, where Japan and South Korea have already qualified to play.

South Africa will face the Australia-Mexico loser on Monday with the loser ousted in the double-elimination group tournament.

The Cubans, who lost to Japan in the 2006 inaugural Classic final, pounded out 13 hits while pitcher Norge Luis Vera allowed just two hits while striking out six South African batters in six innings to earn the victory.

Jonathan Phillips hit a run-scoring single in the ninth inning for South Africa to avoid the shutout.









Children play on top of rocky desert cliffs at sunset. AP Photo/Hasan Jamali