Israel qualify for World Baseball Classic

Israel narrowly missed out on reaching the Classic four years ago with their inaugural team.

Five Israel pitchers combined to limit Britain to four hits while the offense pushed the team to a 6-0 lead through seven innings.

Blake Gailen and Ryan Lavarnway each powered two-run homers in the fifth inning while Cody Decker added a blast in the seventh. Lavarnway also delivered an RBI single during his team's three-run eighth inning.

Scott Burcham finished 3-for-4 for Israel.

Israel went undefeated through the tournament, having beaten the British side 5-2 last Thursday when they rallied for four runs in the seventh inning.

They beat Brazil 1-0 on Friday in a pitcher's duel to move into the final.

The 16-team World Baseball Classic will be held in South Korea in March, 2017.