In statements to JIT digital, Ferrer highlighted the team’s hitting power and the brilliant defense. Eight teams will be playing for just one ticket at the Americas Olympic qualifier, for Tokyo 2020.
The Cuban team is completing its pre-tournament training with a game on Friday night against Nicaragua.
Ferrer and the coaching staff were pleased with the offensive against the Dominicans with 13 hits including two home runs. The best at home plate was first baseman Yordanis Samón (4-4, 3 RBIs, 1-SR). Pinch hitter Rafael Viñales belted the team’s second homer at the nighth inning.
Leadoff hitter Roel Santos went for 2-4 and three scored runs; Frederich Cepeda (5-2) and Yadir Mujica (2-2, 3-Ws and 2-SRs).
The Cuban skipper used six pitchers. He opened with right-handed Lázaro Blanco (2-INN, 1-K) and closed with Andy Rodríguez (1-INN, 1K, 1-H, 1-BB).
Cuba is in group B of the tournament, and after the opener against Venezuela on Monday, May 31, it will play the next day against Canada and complete the group’s round robing Colombia on June 2. Section A of the pre-Olympic is made up of host country United States as well as Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.
The tourney is taking place in the cities of West Palm Beach and Port St Lucia, in Florida until June 5. The winner will qualify directly to the Olympic Games, the runner up and third place will still have the chance to compete for another ticket at a second qualifier days later in Mexico.
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