Cuba Breezes Past Venezuela 14-2 at WC

by Circles Robinson

HAVANA TIMES, Oct. 5 — The World Cup game Tuesday between Cuba and Venezuela was virtually over in the first inning when the islander’s scored four times against a starter who got pulled after managing only one out.

Cuba went on to add two more runs in the third, one in the fourth, two in the fifth and five in the sixth.

Box Score

Cuba pounded out 17 hits, including homers by Rusney Castillo (the first batter of the game) and Ariel Pestano.

The bottom half (5-9) of the Cuban lineup drove in 10 runs with two each from Yulieski Gourriel, Jose Dariel Abreu, Erisbel Arruebarruena,  Pestano and Franciso Morejon, who replaced Pestano later in the game.

Castillo, Abreu and Arruebarruena had three hits each to lead the feast.

On the mound Miguel Lahera extended Cuba’s streak of scoreless frames to 22 until he left up 14-0 after six innings.  Lahera allowed only four singles and struck out eight rivals while not allowing a walk.

Yonder Martinez came on to pitch the seventh and final inning of the game called at 14-2 on the 10-run mercy rule.  Martinez was not at his best allowing two runs on three hits including a pair of doubles.

Starter Juan Colmenarez took the loss for Venezuela.

World Cup Standings

Group A – Netherlands, Panama and Canada (3-0), USA (1-1), Puerto Rico (1-2), Japan (0-2), Greece & Taiwan (0-3).

Group B – Cuba (3-0), Venezuela, Italy, South Korea & Dominican Republic (2-1), Nicaragua (1-2), Germany and Australia (0-3).

Wednesday is a rest day at the World Cup in Panama but one game will take place between the USA and Japan at 6:00 p.m. to make up for a rainout on Sunday.

Cuba’s next game is on Thursday against South Korea.