Cuba Shows No Mercy Against Netherlands

Cuba defeated the Netherlands, 18-2, behind Omar Luis’ three-hitter to become the first team to go 3-0 in the Olympics.

The game went only 6 1/2 innings because of the international mercy rule. The United States, at 2-0, is the only other unbeaten team in the tournament.

Cuba has 45 runs in three games.

Orestes Kindelan hit his fourth homer. Juan Manrique had three hits, including a homer, and four runs batted in. Omar Linares homered and drove in two runs. Rey Isaac also homered.

Luis improved to 2-0 in the Olympics, striking out eight and walking one in six innings.

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Carlos Alberto Berrios’ three-run homer highlighted a five-run fourth inning that carried Nicaragua to an 8-3 victory over South Korea.

Nicaragua (2-1) has turned into a medal-round contender by playing the United States close in an opening 4-1 loss, then beating Italy and the Koreans.

Starter Jose Luis Quiroz, who gave up two runs--one earned--and seven hits over 6 1/3 innings.

South Korea (0-3) had been considered a favorite for one of the four medal-round berths along with Cuba, Japan and the United States.

Australia (1-2) posted a 9-6 victory over Japan (1-2).