DH Alfredo Despaigne had three hits and three RBI and right fielder Alexi Bell went 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored, leading the Cubans to victory against Japan in a talent-rich matchup of (arguably) the Olympics’ two strongest teams.

The Cuban bats made Aaron’s favorite pop idol starter Yu Darivsh look decidedly human, knocking him out in the fifth inning with none out. Darvish allowed four runs on seven hits and four walks, showing uncharacteristic lapses of command.

Norge Luis Verga was the winner for Cuba, scattering seven hits over six innings with two runs allowed and only one only extra base hit, a double from SS Nishioka Tsuyoshi. Cuban SS Eduardo Paret played an instrumental role in keeping Japanese runners off the basepaths, turning several impressive double plays. The larger-than-life Pedro Lazo closed the door for the Cubans with a scoreless three-inning save.

Lost in the shuffle was impressive relief work from Japan’s pitching staff, which figures to play a major role in their quest for a gold medal. Naruse Yoshihisa looked stellar in relief of Darvish, using a deceptive delivery and exceptional command to keep Nippon in the game. Tanaka Masahiro and Fujikawa Kyuji also contributed a scoreless inning each in relief.

Cuba faces Canada tomorrow, while Chinese Taipei will have the arduous task of dealing with a loaded Japanese team in a must-win situation.