SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — Team Cuba kept the good vibes rolling in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and now could put themselves in position to win Pool A. Coming into the tournament with the second lowest odds to win the pool behind Panama, Cuba is showing why teams still play the games.
On Sunday afternoon, Colombia got off to a good start against Cuba with a sacrifice fly from Jordan Diaz in the first, however as it was Cuba’s turn to bat, down 1-0, Colombia’s starting pitcher Luis Patiño had nothing for them.
The right-hander had no control, walking Roel Santos then plunking Yoán Moncada, which set the stage for Ariel Martínez to hit a go-head three-run home run.
And just like that, the good vibes returned to Cuba’s dugout.
Martínez, 29, an accomplished two-time All-Star in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan, went into the depth on why he did not do anything different to prepare for this WBC as opposed to his last time out in 2023:
“I always try to get ready in the offseason and be strong because in Japan the seasons are very long, and you need to have a good capacity.”
“The other World Baseball Classic was on the same stage, and I did the same thing. Basically, I did the same thing, but now I came to learn. It’s important and the team needs me to achieve these victories. That’s why I have the mentality to help the team 100 percent. Thank God we’re having good results.”
Ariel Martinez’s clutch first-inning three-run homer vs. Colombia on Sunday afternoon was an immediate response for Cuba, taking the lead at 3-1 – Image Credit: World Baseball Classic/Major League Baseball
With how undermanned this Cuban team is, Martínez is uber important in the three-hole of the lineup, though it never showed Sunday as he was backed up quickly by shortstop Erisbel Arruebarrena, who hit a solo home run in the first to extend the lead to 4-1.
The game remained 4-1 in the third when Yariel Rodríguez entered out of the bullpen to get the job done with two scoreless innings and three strikeouts—nearly matching his pitching line from his appearance in Friday’s win over Panama (2.1 shutout innings with three strikeouts). Rodríguez has shown to flip the switch in the WBC, recording 16 strikeouts, and an ERA of 1.54 across 11.2 innings dating back to 2023 when he first played in the tournament.
“To me, it’s very important to pitch for Cuba. It’s always been about the pride to have those four letters on my chest and represent my people.” -Cuba’s Yariel Rodríguez
Rodríguez got designated for assignment by the Blue Jays this past offseason and cleared waivers so he is still in Toronto’s farm system.
“Since Spring Training, I’ve been working on some things that were hurting me, but nothing big,” he said. “I think these changes have been quite positive for me, and I’m going to keep working on that to keep the season the same.”
In his first two 2026 WBC appearances for Cuba, Yariel Rodríguez has allowed just one hit across 4.1 innings with six strikeouts – Image Credit: World Baseball Classic/Major League Baseball
Cuba manager Germán Mesa also weighed on how valuable Rodríguez is of a piece, one who could start or relieve games:
“Within the team he’s a very important pitcher, and the plan is to use him in the middle of the game, which is where the baseball game is decided. Having a pitcher of his quality, we’re using him and have him pitch two, three innings, six outs, whatever, to hold the opponent, which is what we did. We had to bring him in a little bit ahead, but that was the plan.”
On why Mesa had Rodríguez appear in the third and the strategy behind the move: “He was the one who is going to continue because we need to stop the opponent, and we placated them. For us to continue making runs and make it easier.”
Manager Germán Mesa made the right move calling for Yariel Rodríguez early on in Sunday’s game vs. Colombia and for sticking with him for 2.1 innings – Image Credit: World Baseball Classic/Major League Baseball
Cuba’s starting pitcher Denny Larrondo struggled with four walks in two innings and Mesa couldn’t let the 4-1 lead slip. He ultimately made the right call and Colombia didn’t score again until the sixth, when Tito Polo had a sacrifice fly, to make it 4-2.
Colombia’s defense unraveled in the home half of the inning with a drop from Polo in centerfield, leading to two more runs since Harold Ramírez also misplayed a ball in left that turned into a two-run triple from Yiddi Cappe.
Down 7-2 following the mishaps, Gio Ursehla cut into Cuba’s lead with a seventh inning RBI single to make it 7-3. Then Colombia added another run on a Polo hit by a pitch, getting the score to 7-4.
Two innings later, Raidel Martinez was tasked with his second straight save opportunity of the WBC and shut the door again for Cuba, ending the game with a strikeout of Polo. The celebration was on from there for the Cuban faithful.
As soon as Polo swung and missed, Cubans throughout Hiram Bithorn Stadium were singing and banging drums while the team celebrated their victory.
Next Up: A Rivalry
The stage is now set with an epic rivalry battle for the top spot in Pool A between Puerto Rico and Cuba, who are both 2-0, with the showdown scheduled for Monday night, March 9th.
“We have a game plan to accomplish what we have in mind,” Mesa said. “We’re not looking at who’s our opponent, rather what do we have to do? If we follow our plan, I don’t think we’re going to have any problem.”
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