Havana, October 31 (RHC) – The Cuban Baseball5 team began their participation in the Youth Olympic Games with a victory, defeating Turkey in two sets, 6-0 and 3-2. The squad from the largest of the Antilles combined offensive efficiency, speed on the bases, and a solid defense to secure the win.
In the first set, Cuba scored one run in the first inning and two in the second, relying on quick baserunning and impeccable defense. A three-run rally in the fourth inning established an insurmountable lead. Turkey only managed to put two runners on base in the final inning, and neither reached third. In that opening set, Jeancarlos Machado went 5-for-5 with two runs scored and one RBI.
The second set was much more competitive. Turkey took an early lead with two runs in the first inning, capitalizing on defensive errors by the Cuban team, particularly on throws to the bases. Cuba got on the board with one run in the second inning, putting runners on first and second with no outs, but the comeback was yet to come.
The introduction of Jeancarlos Machado to the field propelled Cuba to take the lead in the bottom of the third inning with two runs, fueled by aggressive baserunning that disrupted the opposing team. The score remained unchanged, securing Cuba’s victory in their debut game. Cuban victory in the match.
This Saturday, Cuba will play its second game against Senegal at 9:00 a.m. local time. The African team lost today to the powerful Chinese Taipei team 2-0 (11-1 and 10-0).
