Because of a required change in the tournament schedule, as the Dominican Republic delegation was late for the tournament's start, Cuba played against the United States Virgin Islands this Wednesday in the opening match of the U-15 Caribbean Cup. This event started today and will continue until December 9 at the Andre Rodgers Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas.
Following the opening ceremony at 7:00 pm, the Bahamas and Sint Maarten are set to compete at 7:30 pm in the day's second match. Cuba is scheduled to play against Sint Maarten this Thursday, with the game taking place at 2:00 pm local time.
In a game that was unexpectedly concluded by the umpires' decision after four and a third innings, where it appeared the Virgin Islands team fielded an ineligible player, the Cubans' debut couldn't have been simpler, securing a 12-0 win.
The win was underscored by the flawless performance of left-handed starter Carlos Sarduy, combined with the Virgin Islands' weak defense and Cuba's timely offense in the third and fourth innings of the match.
The Cubans showcased an outstanding performance by Sarduy, who pitched four innings, delivering 49 pitches and allowing just one hit while striking out eight batters without issuing any walks. Sarduy, highlighted by Cuban manager Walmer Urrutia as one of the island's most promising prospects, impressed the small crowd at the stadium, including scouts, by facing the minimum number of batters. He consistently started with strikes against seven of the 12 batters in a commanding performance, heavily relying on his curveball to bewilder his opponents.
Cuba's offensive breakthrough occurred after two unsuccessful chances with a runner in scoring position during the first two innings against left-handed starter Anerai Mason. In the third inning, the Cubans strung together three hits, two walks, and capitalized on three errors to score six runs, which proved sufficient for victory.
In the following inning, the Cubans increased their lead by scoring five more runs. They achieved this by combining a walk, an error, and three hits against the Virgin Islands' first reliever, right-hander Ricardo Garcia.
Cuba's final run occurred in the top of the fifth inning against the Virgin Islands' third relief pitcher, left-hander D'Yomjae Aubain. This run resulted from a single, a walk, and another defensive error, all shortly before the umpires called the game with only one out in the inning.
This Thursday, COPABE will reveal the revised tournament schedule following adjustments for the anticipated arrival of the Dominican Republic. Should the Caribbean team fail to arrive, the tournament will proceed with two rounds, culminating in a final between the top two teams.
