By Yasal Porto
Cuba lost their undefeated streak to Curacao 3×1 in the final of the Punta Cana Regional tournament, leaving them with a desire to make the dream of the US-based Little League World Series come true.
Santa Clara’s Little Sugar Panthers started the game on the right foot after a home run by their pitcher Elvis Herrera in the same opening chapter. And he himself began with vast dominance over his rivals, combining highly effective breaking pitches with a powerful fastball.
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But after tying the second inning, the Curacaos scored twice in the fourth in what ultimately proved decisive.
The Jose Ganuza-led men were limited offensively and had only one other critical moment in the third inning after leaving a pair of runners in circulation.
Thus, as usual, Curacao defeated Cuba once again in the decisive match of the qualifiers for the U12 World Finals held in Williamsport, USA. The Little League World Series will feature 16 teamss, will commence on 17th August next.
Despite losing the unbeaten game, Cuba is yet to win at international level, in any category, but we have to recognize the excellent performance of this team in the Dominican tournament.
Not only did they come through this decisive game unbeaten, but they won almost every game comfortably.
The Little League World Series will feature 16 teams and begin on August 17.