Puerto Rico stays perfect, defeats Cuba in World Baseball Classic

The Puerto Rican squad opened the World Baseball Classic tournament with a 5-0 win over Colombia, followed by a 4-3 victory against Panama, and then a 4–1 win over Cuba. Puerto Rico still has one more group-stage game left in Pool A, where they will face Canada.

Puerto Rico takes control early

Playing in front of an energized home crowd at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico jumped ahead early against Cuba.

In the bottom of the second inning, Martín Maldonado, the San Diego Padres catcher, sparked the offense with a powerful double to left field. The hit helped drive in Eddie Rosario, Emmanuel Rivera, and MJ Meléndez, giving Puerto Rico a quick 3–0 lead.

Puerto Rico added another run in the fifth inning. Left fielder Carlos Cortés lifted a sacrifice fly that allowed center fielder Heliot Ramos to score, extending the lead to 4–0.

Cuba gets one back

Cuba finally got on the scoreboard in the top of the sixth inning. Designated hitter Alfredo Despaigne ripped a deep double to center field, bringing Ariel Martínez home and cutting the deficit to 4–1.

Despite the late push, Cuba couldn’t mount a full comeback, and Puerto Rico held on for the victory, clinching their place in the quarterfinal round while continuing their undefeated run in the tournament.

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