Anisley Lopez

Havana, November 17 (RHC) - The Cuban national team will clash this Thursday against Puerto Rico in the start of the Page system, double elimination, of the Pan American Softball Championship, women's branch, held in Guatemala.

The Cubans led the elimination group A, with 5-1, after knocking out Peru on the last date of the qualifying phase, in a zero-hit zero-run game by pitcher Anisley Lopez, who in four innings struck out 6.

It was the second zero-hit zero-run game for the Cubans, who hit four home runs including a grand slam.

Cuba decided the game in the opening inning with a triple by Leannelis Zayas and a home run by Yarianna Lopez, the first of four for Jorge Lemas' students, as reported by colleague Hernandez Lujan.

The Puerto Ricans, second in Section A behind the United States, are rivals to watch out for and are ranked fifth in the world.