Down to their last strike, Cuba came from behind in the bottom of the seventh, overcoming a two-run deficit, to top rival Puerto Rico, 5-4, and remain undefeated in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup in Hermosillo, Mexico.
A two-run bases-loaded single by Roberto Peña to right field gave Cuba their third win in the Super Round.
Puerto Rico had a 4-2 lead in the seventh inning, led by Gustavo Melendez who finished the afternoon with two doubles, a pair of RBIs and a run scored.
Cuba’s two runs came in the bottom of the second, when they tied the game at two after RBI singles by Segian Perez and Dulieski Ferran.
Puerto Rico’s starter Alian Martinez had a strong outing, lasting 5.2 innings and 97 pitches. He struck out eight, while giving up five hits, two walks and two runs. He left the game in the bottom of the sixth, with a 4-2 lead.
However, Panama reliever Keniel Miranda wasn't able to hold the game. An RBI double by Cuba's Alejandro Cruz made it a one-run ballgame, and Peña ended the game with his bases-loaded heroics.
With the win, Cuba moves to 3-0 in the Super Round to sit atop the standings, while Puerto Rico drops to 0-3.
