Cuba began its road to the 2026 World Baseball Classic with the precision of a Swiss watch.
At the historic Hiram Bithorn Stadium, the Cuban team made its hierarchy count with a 3-1 victory over a tough Panama ninth, taking the momentary lead in Group A.
World Classic Cuba vs Panama
Cuba just gave a Homerrum in the first clash of the VI World Baseball Classic, the most important baseball event in the world… It’s winning the game 3×0! pic.twitter.com/h65PG0V2TP
– Tere Felipe (@_TereFelipe_) March 6, 2026
The Cuban offense did not wait long to punish Panamanian starter Logan Allen.
In the second chapter, Yoelkis Guibert sent the ball flying across right field to open the scoreboard.
One inning later, Los Angeles Angelinos star Yoán Moncada hit a two-run homer through the left field to make it 3-0 for the Islanders.
Moinelo: A Giant on the Hill
If the batting delivered, the pitching was a masterpiece. Liván Moinelo, the MVP of the Japan League, pitched 3.2 dominant innings in which he allowed just two hits and struck out four, earning the win.
Raidel Martinez’s relief work put the final nail in the coffin to secure Cuba’s first victory in San Juan.
Panama tried to react in the seventh inning with a towering hit by Johan Camargo that brought the only Canal run, but the “Team Asere” bullpen was in charge of extinguishing any hope of a comeback.
Finally, reliever Raidel Martínez delivered the final blow and the save to secure the Cuban victory.
Cuban starter Liván Moinelo, Japan League Most Valuable Player, got the win by pitching 3.2 innings, in which he allowed only two hits and struck out four.
Upcoming engagements
Cuba will rest on Saturday to face Colombia on Sunday, while Panama will have a fiery date tomorrow against hosts Puerto Rico, in what promises to be a full house on the “Island of Enchantment”.
Cuba’s next match will be on Sunday against Colombia at 12:00 (16.00 GMT) and Panama will play tomorrow, Saturday, against Puerto Rico at 19:00 (23.00 GMT).
The two Group A teams with the best record advance to the second round of the tournament.
Filed under: World Classic Cuba vs Panama
