TOKYO — Outfielder Alfredo Despaigne hit a grand slam in the fifth inning Friday to lead Cuba over Australia 4-3 and into the second round of the World Baseball Classic.
Despaigne, who played for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan the last three seasons, connected off Australia pitcher Lachlan Wells for his second homer of the tournament.
“I don’t swing to be a home run king,” Despaigne said. “I try to drive in runs. I’m so happy to contribute to the national team.”
Despaigne homered three times in six games in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.