On Saturday, the Cuban regime gave the green light to the start of the IV Elite Baseball League, despite the island grappling with its most severe energy and economic crisis in decades. Power outages exceed 1,500 MW of deficit, coupled with a critical shortage of fuel.
According to ACN, the tournament began with an opening day featuring four games. Victorious teams included Artemisa, Matanzas, and Las Tunas. The schedule extends until July 10, with 40 games per team in the qualifying phase, followed by semifinals and a best-of-seven finals.
The most decisive victory of the day was claimed by the Artemisa Hunters, who crushed Havana's Industriales 14-0 at the Latin American Stadium. They amassed 21 hits and three home runs, concluding the game under the mercy rule.
Pitcher Brander Guevara delivered six scoreless innings, allowing only four hits and striking out seven opponents. Guevara is set to depart soon for a contract in the Mexican League.
Artemisa's home runs were hit by Dayan García, Raydel Sánchez, and José Antonio Jiménez, the latter with the bases loaded in the eighth inning. Rafael Orlando Perdomo took the loss for the capital's team, exiting in the second inning and a third after conceding six runs.
In Matanzas, the Crocodiles edged out Mayabeque's Hurricanes 11-10 in the tenth inning at the Victoria de Girón Stadium, marking Eduardo Cárdenas's first career victory as a director.
This match also set a historical milestone: veteran Frederich Cepeda became the first batter in Cuban national tournaments to reach 2,600 hits, with a double and a single, driving in two runs.
Meanwhile, in Las Tunas, the Lumberjacks defeated Holguín's Cubs 11-4 with 12 hits. Yosmel Garcés pitched five innings, allowing only one earned run to secure the win.
The tournament kicks off amid an unprecedented energy collapse. Power outages in Cuba exceed 1,500 MW, with cuts lasting up to 48 hours in various provinces. The only significant fuel shipment—the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin with 730,000 barrels, which arrived in Matanzas on March 31—was depleted by the end of April.
On the same Sunday, Díaz-Canel warned that the Russian fuel supply would run out in days, with no new shipments confirmed, just a day after the regime inaugurated the tournament seemingly without a hitch.
The Elite League was announced amidst the crisis, promising to gather the top six teams from the 64th National Series: Matanzas Crocodiles, Industriales Lions, Artemisa Hunters, Mayabeque Hurricanes, Las Tunas Lumberjacks, and Holguín Cubs.
Days before the start, a doping scandal involving Alexei Ramírez surfaced, as he tested positive for four anabolic steroids during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The player had been slated as reinforcement for Artemisa but declined the call for "personal reasons" before the violation was confirmed.
The 2025-2026 National Series had already suffered cancellations due to transportation and fuel shortages, and the elite tournament takes place while millions of Cubans endure over 15-hour lines to get gasoline.
Understanding Cuba's Current Energy and Baseball Challenges
What is the current energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a severe energy crisis, with power outages exceeding a 1,500 MW deficit and fuel shortages. This has led to electricity cuts lasting up to 48 hours in some areas.
How is the IV Elite Baseball League being affected by the crisis?
Despite the ongoing crisis, the IV Elite Baseball League has commenced, featuring the top six teams from the 64th National Series. However, the tournament is taking place while the country faces significant energy and fuel shortages.
What was the outcome of the opening games in the league?
On opening day, Artemisa Hunters defeated Industriales 14-0, Matanzas Crocodiles won 11-10 against Mayabeque Hurricanes, and Las Tunas Lumberjacks triumphed over Holguín Cubs 11-4.