Cuba hosts Baseball All-Star Series with guest teams from Venezuela and Mexico

MATANZAS, Cuba, Jan 29 (ACN) The Cuban All-Stars knocked out Mexico 10-0 on Sunday at the start of the All-Star Baseball Series at the Victoria de Giron Stadium in the western province of Matanzas, Cuba.

Among the seven hits by the disciples of mentor Yulieski Gonzalez, there were home runs by Denis Peña and Rafael Viñales, the latter with two runners on base to complete the knockout in the fifth inning. The tournament rules dictated seven-inning games.

The Mexican team was erratic on defense and its pitchers left much to be desired, conceding four walks, giving up one ball and throwing four pitches over the plate.

The winner was young starter Yosiel Serrano, who threw a complete game that included three hits, an equal number of strikeouts and no walks.

While in the second game of the day, Matanzas came from behind to beat Venezuela 9-4, the Venezuelan team took a 2-0 lead in the first inning with three hits, including a home run by first baseman Carlos Arroyo. But in the third inning, the pupils of Cuban mentor Armando Ferrer put together a five-run rally that they never lost again.

At that point, starter Jesus Paricaguan hit a ball and allowed four hits, including those of Yurisbel Gracial and Ariel Sanchez, who towed in a pair of runners each.

For Cubans, Alexander Pozo, who hit 4-3 with two RBIs, was the standout hitter. Yordanis Samon homered for Matanzas.

The All-Star Series will continue today with two more challenges: Venezuela vs. Elite League II All-Stars, and Mexico against Matanzas.
Between the two games, the qualifying phase of the home run derby will be played.