In a remarkable turn of events, given the recent underwhelming performance of Cuban baseball, the Cuban U-15 baseball team has clinched a spot in the final of the Caribbean Cup. They secured this achievement by defeating the U.S. Virgin Islands with a decisive 10-0 knockout in just five innings.
The match, held at André Rodgers Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas, saw the Cuban team take advantage of four defensive errors by their opponents, along with delivering five hits. Under the guidance of manager Walmer Urrutia from Holguín, designated hitter and ninth in the lineup, Marcos del Toro, stood out by driving in three runs. Catcher José Muñiz also contributed with an RBI, bringing his total to eight in four games, according to the sports portal JIT.
Relief pitcher Lekian Acosta claimed the victory by pitching five innings, striking out five batters without issuing any walks. This win marks Cuba's third victory in the tournament, with only one loss, and is the second knockout delivered to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Cuba is set to compete for the title against the winner of the other semifinal between Bahamas and Saint Martin. It is likely that left-handed pitcher Carlos Sarduy from Matanzas, who has already secured a win in the tournament, will start in the final.
In August 2024, the Santa Clara team represented Cuba at the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The young players debuted with a 4-1 victory over the Czech Republic at Volunteer Stadium. However, their journey ended after a loss to Matamoros, Mexico, in a game where the Mexican team made a comeback in the final inning to win 6-4.
Later, in October 2024, the Cuban Baseball5 team claimed the championship for the second consecutive time at the World Cup of this discipline, held in Hong Kong. The team defeated Japan in the final with scores of 16-1 and 7-5, solidifying their dominance in this urban version of baseball.
However, during the Premier 12 tournament, the national team was eliminated in the group stage after suffering defeats against the Dominican Republic, South Korea, and Japan, which prevented them from advancing to the Super Round.
Cuban Baseball Achievements and Challenges
How did the Cuban U-15 team reach the Caribbean Cup final?
The Cuban U-15 team reached the Caribbean Cup final by defeating the U.S. Virgin Islands 10-0 in five innings, capitalizing on their opponent's errors and strong offensive plays.
Who was a standout player for Cuba in their match against the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Marcos del Toro, the designated hitter and ninth in the lineup, was a standout player by driving in three runs during the match against the U.S. Virgin Islands.
What previous international achievements has Cuban baseball accomplished?
In August 2024, the Santa Clara team represented Cuba at the Little League Baseball World Series, and later in October, the Cuban Baseball5 team won the World Cup in Hong Kong.