The Cuban baseball team wrapped up their journey in the Premier 12 tournament after failing to advance to the Super Round. They faced a narrow 6-7 defeat against the reigning champions, Japan, on Sunday, who remained undefeated in Group B. This result marked Cuba's elimination with three losses in the competition, which was the first encounter between these teams in the tournament's history, according to the sports publication JIT.
Played at the Tianmu Stadium in Taipei, China, amidst persistent rain, the Japanese team managed eight hits and capitalized on the defensive errors made by the Cuban side, tipping the scales in their favor. Despite the loss, Armando Johnson's squad fought valiantly until the last out against a team widely regarded as a title favorite.
The game began with Japanese dominance, as they took advantage of walks and a hit-by-pitch issued by Cuban starter Raymond Figueredo, followed by a run-scoring hit from Keita Sano. Although Cuban relievers Geonel Gutiérrez, Frank Luis Medina, and Darío Sarduy partially contained the Asian offense, Japan added five runs before the sixth inning.
A Valiant Effort Falls Short
Cuba mounted a comeback in the sixth inning with three runs, sparked by a double from Yadir Drake and singles from Erisbel Arruebarrena and Yoan Moncada. They tied the game 6-6 in the seventh inning after an error by Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Shimizu. However, a sacrifice fly by Ryoya Kurihara in the eighth inning determined the final score.
Despite loading the bases in their final at-bat, the Cubans couldn't seal the comeback, with strikeouts to Moncada and Andy Cosme at the hands of closer Shoma Fujihira.
Facing the Inevitable Challenges
"We all knew we were up against a great team, the champions of the previous edition, and we are satisfied because our players never gave up and fought until the end," remarked manager Johnson. He also praised the efforts of reliever Liván Moinelo, who took the mound despite dealing with stomach issues.
With a record of 1-3, Cuba will play a consolation match against the Taipei team on Monday, which, along with Japan, advanced to the decisive phase, joining the United States and Venezuela from Group A.
This outcome underscores the challenges facing Cuban baseball on the international stage, characterized by talent emigration and structural limitations, which have increasingly distanced the island's national sport from the stellar positions it once held.