Cuba draws with Nicaragua in preparation game.
Given that it was a preparation game, offensive and defensive variations were tested, and players who should be important for the World Baseball Classic were given playing time.
The Asere baseball team tied 2-2 against Nicaragua in a preseason game played at Roberto Clemente Stadium in Masaya, Nicaragua.
The Nicaraguans started the game strong with two consecutive singles by leadoff hitter Roel Santos, followed by a second hit from the indomitable Yoelkis Guibert.
The first run of the game came on a groundout to second base by third baseman Ariel Martínez, which drove in Roel from third.
With a runner on second, the cleanup hitter and captain of the Cuban national team, Alfredo Despaigne, hit a solid line drive to right field to drive in the second run of the inning off Nicaraguan starter Erasmo Ramírez.
The Cuban manager’s choice to start the game, right-hander Raymond Figueredo, had a flawless first inning, going 3-for-3.
The Nicaraguan team narrowed the gap in the bottom of the second inning when Omar Mendoza hit a home run.
At the plate, the Cuban bats were silenced by the Central American bullpen, which combined to strike out a total of eleven batters.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Cuban defense faltered, and Dusty Baker’s team capitalized, scoring the tying run with Cheslor Cuthbert.
The Cuban team had a chance to take the lead in the late innings, with runners on first and second and one out, but their offense couldn’t capitalize.
Given that it was a preparation match, offensive and defensive variations were tested, and playing time was given to players who should be important for the World Baseball Classic.
Written by George Carlos Suárez.
