With an undefeated tournament record, the Cubans were the best team
This time, it was no coincidence and the saying that the third time's the charm was fulfilled, as the Cuban national team disposed of Curacao by a score of 3-1 in a game held this Sunday at Concepción Pérez Alberto Stadium in the municipality of Fajardo, Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico had won the bronze medal in the tournament by beating the Virgin Islands 5-3 at the Francisco Negrón stadium in Las Piedras earlier in the day.
The Cuban national team won their first senior title in eight years, since a representative of the island under Victor Mesa won first place in the Rotterdam Ports Tournament in Holland in 2015.
Cuba's victory also deprived Curacao of the chance to win its second title since it defeated Cuba, 4-3, in the final of the 2021 competition.
Caribbean Baseball Cup Champions
I - 2018 - República Dominicana
II - 2019 - República Dominicana
III - 2021 - Curacao
IV - 2022 - Puerto Rico
V - 2023 - Cuba
Bahamas will host the sixth Caribbean Cup in 2024.
Cuba, which played an impeccable tournament throughout, had another outstanding performance from its pitching, this time led by left-handed Yoanni Yera, limiting Curacao's offense to one run and five hits. In the first inning, Andrelton Simmons singled, followed by a hit by Ray Van Gurp that moved Simmons to third base where he scored on Darren Seferina's grounder to second. After the first inning, Yera pitched five scoreless innings and struck out 10, allowing no further runs.
Cuba, which could not score against left-handed starter Arlison Rodríguez for four innings, tied the game in the fifth inning after two outs. This is when Andrys Pérez walked and reliever Nick Keur allowed consecutive singles from Yadil Mujica and Roel Santos.
The match was decided in the sixth inning against Cerilio Soleana, a left-handed reliever. Erisbel Arruebarrena hit a two-run homer to center field, bringing home Roberto Baldoquín for the decisive 3-1 final score. As a result, Arruebarrena was selected as the tournament MVP minutes later.
The game was closed by right-hander Renner Rivero, whose perfect 9th inning included a strikeout.
For Cuba, the victory is encouraging, especially given the way it was achieved. During the tournament the pitching really shined, finishing with a 1.33 ERA in 27 innings with a shutout and two saves. This was against Puerto Rico and Curacao, the two toughest opponents. In addition, the Cubans showed experience and professionalism to overcome disadvantages in both matches. The offense was timely, as it has only happened a few times in recent years, and the defense was flawless.
With the team based on the Caribbean Cup roster, we can expect the announcement of the final Cuban team for the Pan American Games baseball tournament in Santiago de Chile, which begins in 10 days.
V Caribbean Baseball Cup
Qualifying Round, Day 1 (Sep 2, 2023)
Cuba 11, Virgin Islands 1 KO (6)
Curacao 3, Puerto Rico 0 (No hitter in 5 innings due to rain)
Qualifying Round, Day 2 (Sep 3, 2023)
Cuba, Curazao
Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
Due to rain, games were suspended
Qualifying Round, Day 3 (Sep 4, 2023)
Curazao, Virgin Islands
Puerto Rico, Cuba
Due to rain, games were suspended
Qualifying Round, Day 4 (Sep 5, 2023)
Curazao, Virgin Islands
Puerto Rico, Cuba
Due to rain, games were suspended
Qualifying Round, Day 5 (Sep 6, 2023)
Cuba 4, Curacao 0
Puerto Rico 8, Virgin Islands 0
Qualifying Round, Day 6 (Sep 7, 2023)
Curazao 16, Virgin Islands 2 KO (6)
Cuba 4, Puerto Rico 2
Medals Round, Day 7 (Sep 8, 2023)
Bronze: Puerto Rico 5, Virgin Islands 3
Gold: Cuba 3, Curacao 1
Final Standings
1. Cuba 4-0
2. Curacao 2-2
3. Puerto Rico 2-2
4. Virgin Islands 0-4
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