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For the first time since 2001 Team USA has reached the final game of the IBAF World Cup and will take on perenial champions Cuba on Sunday evening in Taiwan.

Matt Wright (2-0) allowed four hits in six innings, struck out six and walked two for the American team.�Neal Musser,�Lee Gronkiewicz and Chris Booker put the finishing touches on the six-hit shutout.

The American offense was powered by Cardinals prospect Colby Rasmus, who homered in the first inning. That lead would hold until the eighth inning when the U.S. team broke the game open, eventually winning 5-0.

The Americans�will play Cuba, who defeated a�very game Japanese team, winning 5-3�thanks to pitcher Aroldis Chapman De La Cruz�who allowed just three hits in eight innings.�

The�Japanese team did manage to score two in the ninth off reliever Pedro�Lazo,�perhaps the most recognizable player on the Cuban team, but he�was removed in favor of Yuniesky Maya who came on to get the final out.

Japanese pitcher Saito Takashi, who had started Japan’s win over Australia the day before, looked tired and only managed 3 1/3 innings, surrendering three runs to take the loss.

Cuba has won every World Cup since 1982 and 25 overall. They’ve beaten the U.S. team six times during those 25 wins.��

The United States team has won twice, both times over Nicaragua in 1973 and 1974.