A pickle of their own making

With Japan's defeat of Mexico, the US needs help (and they've already had plenty) to get to San Diego.

If Japan defeats Korea tomorrow night (and they have a Korea loss to avenge and an officiating wrong to right), the US is eliminated. (But only if Japan scores 7 runs or fewer...got that?)

If Korea (still undefeated) beats Japan again, the US would advance if Clemens can beat Mexico on Thursday.

On the other side of the bracket, the DR took Venezuela down in dramatic fashion (2-1). Tough loss for Luis, Luis Sojo, but form held.

Cuba-P.R. should be wild...I'm rooting for Cuba, Korea, and the U.S. of course to join DR in the semis.