Perfect Debut for Dueñas in China

A 0.00 ERA — that is how Matanzas native Armando Dueñas summarized his first outing in Chinese baseball, debuting with the Xiamen Dolphins in a 9-8 victory over Changsha Want Want, decided in eleven innings.

The Yumurino right-hander pitched one complete inning, allowed one hit, gave up no runs, issued one walk, and struck out one batter — numbers that place him on the right foot in his new league.

The fast pitcher was not the only Cuban to debut with the Dolphins; shortstop Tailon Sánchez, a native of Pinar del Río, came in as a pinch hitter and batted 3-for-2 with two singles and one RBI, raising his average to .667.

Also participating in the offense were José Amaury Noroña, who went 2-for-0, scored one run, drew a walk, with one strikeout and one stolen base, and Holguín native Yasiel González, who also went 2-for-0 and lowered his average to .316.

With this result, the Xiamen Dolphins reached a record of 8-3, while Changsha fell to 2-7-1.