The Nicaraguan and Cuban national baseball teams have agreed to play a friendly game on May 29th in the U.S. state of Florida

Managua, May 14 (RHC)-- The Nicaraguan and Cuban national baseball teams have agreed to play a friendly game on May 29th in the U.S. state of Florida, prior to the start of the Pre-Olympic Baseball Tournament, according to Nicaragua's manager Marvin Benard.

Both teams will take advantage of the fact that they are in different groups in the competition that grants a direct berth to the event under the flag of the five rings in Tokyo.

The Pinoleros will play against the United States, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico in Group A, while the three-time Olympic champions will play Canada, Colombia and Venezuela in Group B.

"I would like to play two games with Cuba, but it all depends on what they need," Benard, an outfielder with nine seasons for the San Francisco Giants in the U.S. Major Leagues on his record, told the media on Thursday.

The Nicaraguan helmsman insisted on the idea of taking the best possible elements to the qualifier and at the same time reaffirmed the idea that the pitching staff will be the main strength of the ninth, followed by the defense. Regarding the formation of the roster, he confirmed that he will take a dozen pitchers, five infielders, two catchers and seven outfielders, but he will count on several versatile players on the field.

Benard reiterated his intention to announce the final roster next week, pending clearances for players belonging to Major League organizations.

The Tournament of the Americas organized by the International Baseball and Softball Confederation will be held in West Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie, Florida, from May 31st to June 5.