Cuba hopes to rebound from a tough loss to Venezuela and keep their Olympic hopes alive. They will face Canada next in the America’s Olympic Qualifier. Cuba dropped a tough 6-5 decision to Venezuela. It is the first loss to Venezuela in a major competition in 70 years. Watch Cuba vs Canada Live via Cubadugout and WBSC on Youtube.
Game one was exciting although Cuba trailed throughout it felt they were within striking distance until their very last out. Lazaro Blanco lacked precision but almost worked his way out of trouble. He ended up surrendering a first inning 3 run home run. A deficit that Venezuela would maintain, but Cuba had its chances. They left 8 men on base in the game. Although Venezuela stranded 12, Cuba’s inability to cash in on these opportunities proved fatal. The offensive output at least represented an improvement over recent International performances. Game One can be viewed in its entirety below.
Cuba’s lineup for Game two will see a few tweaks. Alfredo Despaigne left mid at bat in the ninth. It appears to be a pectoral muscle injury on an aggressive swing. Yordanis Samón will shift to DH and Lisbán Correa moves to first base. Correa entered late in yesterdays game. The Cuban MVP hit an absolute bomb (video embedded below) in the ninth inning which made the game 6-5. That score that ultimately held up. Erisbel Arruebarrena contributed a two run home run as well.
