Cuba Makes Finals vs. Taiwan, barely

By Circles Robinson

Misael Silvero with his Villa Clara uniform. Photo: baseballdecuba.com

HAVANA TIMES, July 3 — Another one run win over Germany in baseball is really nothing to celebrate in itself for team Cuba, previously feared in international competitions.

Nonetheless, the 1-0 victory on Saturday has given the islanders a chance to battle Taiwan in the one-game final on Sunday at the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam, Holland.

Cuba (5-3 overall) had squeezed by Germany 4-3 in ten innings earlier in the tournament to stay alive.  Now, another cliff hanger win allowed them to finish in second place, with the right to face Taiwan (7-1) for the championship.

The Asian team has already defeated Cuba twice in qualifying round play, but when they take the field on Sunday it’s a brand new ball game.

Misael Siverio pitched six innings and Dalier Hinojosa three in relief to provide the shutout over Germany, while a squeeze play bunt by shortstop Erisbel Arruebarruena in the seventh brought home left fielder Yasiel Puig from third for the game’s only run.