HAVANA, Cuba, Feb 20 (acn) Cuba defeated Taiwan 6-2 in Taichung last night in their first warm-up match ahead of next month's World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Lefty Chen Kuan-yu, of the Japan´s Chiba Lotte Marines, started the game for Taiwan, while Cuba countered with right-handed Yosbany Torres.
The host squad went ahead in the second inning through an RBI-single by catcher Lin Kun-shen off Torres.
However, Cubans managed to take a 3-1 lead in the fifth frame off Taiwan´s second pitcher, Tsai Min-chin, where there were decisive a 2 RBI-triple by outfielder Roel Santos, who was then pushed home thanks to a double by SS Alexander Ayala.
In the sixth, Cuban catcher silenced the crowded stand when hitting a solo homer and the Caribbean squad increased their lead to 4-1.
The sides traded runs in the late innings as Cuba ran out 6-2 victors.
"Our people expect the team to do well, but now I have to work with the new generation of young players. It's good to get this win against Taiwan, as they also have a good team," Cuban manager Carlos Marti said.
The second game of the series is scheduled for this evening, also in Taichung.
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