WBSC U-12 World Cup 2025 | Mexico defeated Cuba 3-0 and advanced to the Super Round

Eduardo Miranda shut down Cuba for 5 1/3 innings, recording 8 strikeouts. (Photo by WBSC)

At the U-12 World Cup in Tainan, Taiwan, Mexico prolonged Cuba's scoreless streak to 13 innings by defeating the island's team 3-0 on Sunday.

The win advanced the Mexicans to the Super Round of the tournament with a 3-0 record, while the Cubans are now on the verge of elimination, with only a mathematical possibility of securing a playoff spot.

Box score

Mexico's victory was driven by effective pitching from starter Eduardo Miranda (1-0), who gave up just two walks and two hits over 5 1/3 innings, along with timely hitting.

Miranda held the Cubans to only two hits, striking out eight and issuing two walks, both in the sixth inning when Cuba had a chance to tie the game. This situation led to the Mexican starter's exit, allowing reliever Diego Garcia to step in. Garcia secured the second out with a Yeison Penton fly ball to right field and completed the shutout by striking out pinch hitter Ivan Castillo to end the game.

Mexico clinched the victory in the first inning against Cuban starter Denis Zamora (0-1) scoring twice without hitting the ball beyond the infield. This was achieved through a single to the mound, a hit by pitch, and a crucial error by third baseman Iker Castillo, which enabled both baserunners to score.

Cuba posed its most significant threat in the bottom of the first inning against Miranda, as an error and a hit by pitch put the first two batters on base with no outs. Nonetheless, the Mexican starter finished the inning by striking out Cuba's third and fourth batters and ended the threat when Yuceider Torres popped out to center.

In the second inning, Cuba once more got two runners on base through a single by Yeison Penton and a hit by pitch. However, Miranda once again stopped any runs from scoring, concluding the inning by getting pitcher Denis Zamora to hit a line drive caught by the second baseman.

In the third inning, the Cubans started with an infield hit from Maykol Lluch. However, Cuba's third and fourth batters, Sean M. Garcia and Yordan Reyes, struck out once again, and Yuceider ended the inning with a grounder to shortstop.

In the fifth inning, Mexico secured their last run against Zamora by loading the bases. Pinch-hitter Arturo Silva then hit a ground ball that led to a fielder's choice, scoring one run and finalizing the score at 3-0.

Despite taking the loss, the Cuban starter had a good outing, pitching 4 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and three runs (one earned), while also recording two walks and seven strikeouts.

Jose J. Padrón flawlessly finished the last 1 2/3 innings.

This Monday, Cuba will aim for its first victory in the tournament as it goes up against Australia, with the match beginning at 2:30 a.m. ET.