A trip to Miami and the semifinals is on the line when Australia and Cuba face every other at Tokyo Dome these days. Even though Australia has currently exceeded expectations getting into the tournament — its 3 wins are a group record and it really is never ever reached the second round prior to — the group has created it clear it does not feel the job is performed.

“We’re not performed however,” group captain Tim Kennelly stated. “It is cool to get via the quarterfinals, and if we get via to Miami, the final 4 teams, that is going to be quite cool.”

Cuba completed as runners-up in the 1st Planet Baseball Classic, but have been out of the prime 4 due to the fact. They will have tough-throwing righty Yariel Rodriguez commence in this game. He will not be awed by pitching at Tokyo Dome: Rodriguez posted a 1.15 ERA as a reliever for the Chunichi Dragons of the NPB final year.

Exactly where: Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

How you can watch: The game amongst Australia and Cuba is airing reside on FS2. Games are readily available on FOX, FS1, FS2 or FOX Deportes, and just about every game can be streamed on line in the FOX Sports App. For international viewing selections, click right here.

How you can listen: Reside audio coverage of all games will be carried on Sirius XM, TuneIn, MLB.com and in the MLB App.

What’s at stake: What is at stake? It is win or go residence! Australian baseball has currently had a Cinderella run and the energy-hitting group could continue to make history the farther they go in this tournament. Kennelly, reigning ABL MVP Award-winner Alex Hall and Robbie Glendinning have hit practically every little thing pitchers have presented them, so it will be fascinating to see if Cuba can lastly cool off the red-hot bats.

With two Main Leaguers — Yoán Moncada and Luis Robert — in the lineup this tournament for the 1st time in Planet Baseball Classic history, Cuba could re-establish its standing as a single of the finest teams in the globe with a victory. A trip to Miami and Tiny Havana awaits with a victory.

Matchup history: Cuba beat Australia five-four in the 2009 WBC and four-three in ’17.

Alfredo Despaigne, Cuba: Even though the all-time leader in Planet Baseball Classic residence runs (seven) hasn’t gone deep in this tournament, the veteran is nevertheless hitting the ball tough. Despaigne has a .429 typical and a 1.072 OPS with 3 RBIs. With 4 much more driven in, he’ll tie former Group Cuba teammate Frederich Cepeda for the most in tournament history.

Yoán Moncada, Cuba: White Sox fans have to like what they’ve noticed so far. Coming off a complicated 2022 season, Moncada has been on fire at the Classic. The infielder has a .353/.421/.647 slash line.

Aaron Whitefield, Australia: The speedy outfielder — he was a former softball player — has been vital to Australia’s possibilities with excellent defense and a lot of speed on the basepaths. Hitting three-for-ten in the series, Whitefield has scored 4 runs and stolen two bases.

Tim Kennelly, Australia: In his third Planet Baseball Classic, the 37-year-old expert firefighter is displaying he’s got a lot left in the tank. He created two spectacular catches in Australia’s victory against the Czech Republic and lastly hit his 1st WBC residence run this time about.