Mexico Is Too Much for Canada

Jorge Cantu homered and drove in three runs, and Esteban Loaiza gave up a run in five-plus innings Thursday as Mexico defeated Canada, 9-1, at Phoenix, to leave the U.S. team a win away from reaching the second round.

Erubiel Durazo also had three hits, and Mario Valenzuela had a solo home run for Mexico.

Canada starter Jeff Francis retired the first two batters in the first, then hit Vinny Castilla in the ribs with a fastball.

Four consecutive doubles made it 4-0.

Dominican Republic 8, Italy 3 -- Adrian Beltre hit his third home run in two games, and Albert Pujols and Moises Alou also homered, leading the only unbeaten team in Pool D to an impressive win at Kissimmee, Fla.

Venezuela 2, Australia 0 -- Ramon Hernandez homered and Kelvim Escobar helped pitch Venezuela into the second round at Kissimmee, Fla.

The win sends Venezuela and the Dominican Republic to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in a loaded group that also includes Puerto Rico and Cuba.

Cuba 11, Netherlands 2 -- Yoandry Garlobo went four for five with three runs batted in at San Juan, and Cuba advanced to the second round.

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Team USA’s first game against Mexico received a 1.4 rating, the highest-rated weekday afternoon program on ESPN2 since Game 3 of the 2005 American League division series.