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Tuesday, 24 August, 2004, 20:47 GMT 21:47 UK

Australia stun Japan


Australia have produced the biggest baseball shock of the Olympics with a 1-0 semi-final win over Japan.

A two-out single from Brendan Kingman in the sixth inning was enough for Australia to overcome Japan's all-professional team.

Australia will play Cuba in the final after they rallied from behind to beat Canada 8-5 and avert another upset.

Cuba took advantage of a throwing error in the eighth inning to score six runs and book their fourth straight final.

Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka will consider himself unlucky after striking out 13 batters over seven and two-thirds innings.

Australia's relief pitcher Jeff Williams, who plays in Japan for the Hanshin Tigers, held his nerve at the end to deny the favourites.

Japan were considered among the best teams at the Olympics after the USA - who failed in an Olympic qualifying tournament - were unable to defend their title.

It was Peter Orr's mistake for Canada that turned what should have been a double play into first and second with no one out.

Cuban catcher Ariel Pestano put Cuba ahead with a bases loaded single that scored two.

Cuba have won two gold medals and one silver in baseball since it was reinstated as an Olympic sport.




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Japan and Cuba through (22 Aug 04  |  Baseball )



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