Havana, March 6 (RHC) – Cuba debuted with a 3-1 victory against Panama in the VI World Baseball Classic, winning at Hiram Bithorn Stadium and striking the first blow with a victory that ignites hopes.
Under the warm skies of the Puerto Rican capital, before an expectant stadium, the Cuban team took to the field with the weight of its history on its shoulders and the determination of those who know that every pitch can determine the course of a tournament.
The squad managed by Germán Mesa took control of the game in the second inning thanks to a powerful swing by Yoelquis Guibert, who launched the ball over the right-field bases off a fastball from the starting pitcher, Logan Allen, who was ultimately defeated.
An inning later, the Cubans increased their lead when Yiddi Cappé hit a double and Yoan Moncada added a second home run in a five-hit attack.
The Caribbean lineup couldn’t produce any more runs against a parade of five relievers, but they relied on their pitching staff to secure the lead and earn the important victory.
Liván Moinelo remained on the mound for three and two-thirds innings, allowing two hits, two walks, striking out four, and giving up no runs.
His replacement, Yariel Rodríguez, retired all seven batters he faced—three of them by strikeout—and Enmanuel Chapman allowed the Panamanians’ only run on an RBI single by Johan Camargo.
Darién Nuñez got the final out of the seventh inning, and Yoan López and Raidel Martínez finished the job, keeping the final two scoreless innings.
Ariel Martínez also stood out at bat for the winners, and Leonardo Bernal for the losers, both with two singles.
The clash opened the action in Group A, a bracket where every victory weighs like a piece of gold in the tournament’s balance and where the margins for error are usually as narrow as the seam of a ball.
Cuba’s next game will be on Sunday against Colombia, while Panama will play tomorrow against Puerto Rico.
