Cuba maintained its perfect record in World Baseball Classic competition Sunday, defeating Colombia 7-4 in Pool A action at San Juan, Puerto Rico, behind explosive early offense that set the tone for the entire contest.
The Cuban squad wasted no time establishing control, as Ariel Martinez and Erisbel Arruebarrena launched home runs during the opening frame that brought home four teammates and gave Cuba a commanding 4-0 advantage just five batters into the game. The early power surge put Cuba at 2-0 in Pool A standings.
Yoelkis Guibert contributed with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate, while Yiddi Cappe provided crucial late-game insurance with a two-run triple during the sixth inning that stretched Cuba’s advantage to 7-2.
The offensive explosion proved necessary as Cuban pitchers struggled with control throughout the game, issuing 10 walks while recording just nine strikeouts. Starting pitcher Denny Larrondo earned the win despite surrendering four walks during his two-inning stint on the mound.
Colombia, now 0-3 in pool play, received solid individual efforts from Gio Urshela, who drew two walks and delivered an RBI single. Tito Polo managed two RBIs for the Colombian side despite failing to record a hit, scoring teammates via a sacrifice fly and being hit by a pitch. Colombian starter Luis Patino endured a difficult outing, surrendering four runs on two hits while recording just one out.
In other World Baseball Classic action, Italy rallied from an early deficit to defeat Great Britain 7-4 in Houston. Andrew Fischer and J.J. D’Orazio connected on consecutive home runs to fuel the Italian comeback, with Italy improving to 2-0 in Pool B while Great Britain fell to 0-3.
The Dominican Republic dominated the Netherlands 12-1 in a seven-inning mercy rule victory in Miami. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero, Austin Wells and Juan Soto all homered for the Dominican squad, which moved to 2-0 in Pool D play.
