Photo: Yuhki Ohboshi

Taichung, March. 5 (RHC)-- With all its stars, the Cuban baseball team, which is preparing for the V World Classic, lost 4-5 to the Rakuten Monos, a team that finished second in the last season of the Professional League of this country.

In what has been described as a historic day, because the Cuban team was able to count for the first time with players currently playing in the MLB, who arrived a few hours ago at the venue of the tournament. Among those who stood out on offense were Yoan Moncada of the Chicago White Sox, 2-2, 1 CA and a BB, Andy Ibañez of the Detroit Tigers, 3-2, 1 2B, while the most mediatic player of the team, Luis Robert Moiránt also of the White Sox, although he hit the ball well, he went 2-0, with a ticket.

Another who had experience in the Major Leagues, left-hander Onelkis García showed great speed and good command and ratifies himself as one of the important pieces in the Antillean relievers. He struck out three of the four batters he faced and allowed one hit. "I feel very happy with this outing I had, I consider that I am ready to start the competition".

The Guantanamero considers that there is a good vibe within the set, something essential for teamwork. "I have the privilege of being the first to play with the national team after pitching in MLB, we are very happy with the incorporation of these players who currently play in that baseball."

Also "untreatable" was Liván Moinelo, with a pair of strikeouts in one inning. In the case of Ronald Bolaños of the Kansas City Royals, Carlos Juan Viera and Yoenni Yera, allowed the locals to score.

In spite of the loss, Armando Johnson, director of the Cuba team, valued as positive what happened in this match, in which they even hit 11 hits.

"We are still working hard to drive in runs, but we are happy because for the first time we were able to count on all the players. This game helped us to see some things we had pending and this will help us when it comes to putting together the regular lineup against the Netherlands, which will be our first opponent."

Johnson recalled that less than 48 hours ago the players who play in the Major Leagues joined the group. "For the short time they have been with us they looked pretty good, they all wanted to keep playing, but we decided to give them rest so they can go little by little."

At 11 p.m. Cuban time this Sunday night, the Cuban team will face the Elephant Brothers, in what will be their last warm-up game before the start of the Classic. Chicago Cubs left-hander Roennis Elías, who will be the starter of the game, is scheduled to make his debut.