WBSC U-18 Baseball World | Cuba capitalizes on every opportunity and defeats South Africa 10-0, thanks to outstanding pitching by Leandro Forteza

Right-hander Leandro Forteza completed five innings and Cuba took advantage of a poor game by South Africa, which committed six errors on defense, while its pitching gave up six walks and hit two by pitches, to achieve a 10-0 victory by way of a knockout in five innings, in the first game for both teams in the U-18 World Cup of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), on Friday afternoon at Nishizaki Stadium in the city of Itoman, Japan.

Box score

It was the first victory for a Cuban national team in a U-18 World Cup since September 4, 2017, when Yorlián Rodríguez defeated Mexico 5-1 in the qualifying round of the 28th edition of these tournaments.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the opening inning, Jonathan Moreno hit a single, advanced to second and third base thanks to a sacrifice hit, and scored due to a throwing error by the South African third baseman.

• The team capitalized on a poor performance by South African right-hander starter Aiden McKenzie, who gave up five walks, hit two batters, and allowed two hits in the second inning, during which the Cubans went on a six-run scoring spree.

• In the third inning, Cuba delivered a decisive blow against reliever Caelum Stroberg, tallying three runs through a combination of two hits, two errors, and a wild pitch.

• Until the fourth inning, Cuban starter Leandro Forteza was pitching a no-hitter. However, right fielder Joshua Botha hit a solid grounder to second base off a high pitch from Forteza. Second baseman Leandro Pérez made an impressive save, but his errant throw to first resulted in the play being ruled a hit.

• During the fourth inning, Botha had the opportunity to reach scoring position. However, following a groundout by cleanup hitter and third baseman Jaden Du to second base, Botha was tagged out at second base after overstepping it during a continuous play.

• The Cuban starter pitched for five innings, allowing just one hit, striking out five, issuing one walk, and hitting two batters, throwing a total of 65 pitches, 44 of them being strikes.

• Jonathan Moreno had a strong performance, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and one RBI while leading off.

• Yoán A. Águila went 2-for-3, scored two runs, and drew one walk.

• Yaidel Ruíz, the experienced catcher from Cuba, concluded the game with two RBIs.

• The Cuban batters struck out only once against the weakest team in their qualifying group, achieving just six hits and no extra-base hits.

UP NEXT

Cuba will be back in action this Saturday, facing Italy at the same time of 1:30 a.m. Cuban and Eastern Time, also at Nishizaki Stadium in Itoman.