The Cuban baseball team secured a 3-0 victory over Colombia this Wednesday at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium in Santo Domingo. This win keeps alive their hopes of contesting for the gold medal at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games.
With this triumph, Cuba's record stands at 3-1 in the super round, placing them second in the standings, trailing only undefeated Panama (3-0), the sole team to hand them a loss in this phase.
The game was decided in the second inning when the Cuban team scored all three of their decisive runs. Yulieski Remón hit a key single, driving in two runs, while Luis Vicente Mateo added another with a hit of his own, securing a lead that remained uncontested throughout the game.
The standout player was pitcher José Ignacio Bermúdez, who delivered five and two-thirds innings, giving up just two hits and striking out eight, earning his second win of the tournament.
Yankiel Mauris came in relief of Bermúdez, retiring one batter, and Armando Dueñas closed the game by securing the final three outs.
On the Colombian side, Víctor Daniel Vargas took the loss after allowing three runs in four innings. Cuban player Yoel Yanqui was the only one to hit twice in the entire match.
Led by Germán Mesa, the Cuban squad enters this stage with just one defeat in the super round, suffered on Tuesday against Panama. Mesa praised the team's unity and the strength of their pitching staff as key factors in their performance, stating the team is "completely satisfied" with their efforts and emphasizing, "we are not working by chance."
Cuba reached the super round with a perfect 3-0 record after defeating Curaçao, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic in the preliminary phase.
Following Wednesday's outcomes, the super round standings are as follows: Panama (3-0), Cuba (3-1), Puerto Rico (2-1), Dominican Republic (1-2), Nicaragua (1-2), and Colombia (0-4).
According to the tournament format, the top two teams at the end of the super round will compete for the gold medal on Thursday, while the third and fourth-place teams will vie for the bronze.
Cuba last claimed the baseball title at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz 2014, where they defeated Nicaragua 9-3 in the final. Santo Domingo 2026 presents a crucial opportunity for Cuba to reclaim their dominance in a sport they have historically excelled in throughout the region.
Cuba's Baseball Journey and Future Prospects
What was the key moment in Cuba's victory over Colombia?
The key moment was in the second inning when Cuba scored all three runs, largely thanks to hits by Yulieski Remón and Luis Vicente Mateo.
Who was the standout player in the match against Colombia?
José Ignacio Bermúdez was the standout player, pitching five and two-thirds innings, allowing only two hits, and striking out eight batters.
When was the last time Cuba won the baseball title in the Central American and Caribbean Games?
Cuba last won the baseball title at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz 2014.