Pavel Hernández (Starting pitcher)

Taichung, Nov 5 (JIT) - Cuba's preparation for the Premier 12 baseball tournament here today added up to a 6x5 victory over Life Aloong, from the semi-professional circuit of Chinese Taipei.

After a first inning marked by a group of 6 runs and an equal number of hits, it seemed that the Antillean team would have a "walk", but the reality ended up being different at the Intercontinental Stadium of Taichung.

The punishment came from Japan's Shoki Nakazato, who was only able to retire one man before handing over to Ching-Lung Lin, who, not satisfied with stopping the party, kept the visitors at bay for three more chapters, with only two hits on his account.

Also unharmed were the other two pitchers used by the host team, which broke the deadlock in the third inning with the only run allowed by the Island's starter, Pavel Hernández.

The latter covered five episodes with a job that also included four strikeouts and several hits allowed, and took the credit in the midst of a preparation marked by necessary adjustments after forays in Venezuela and Mexico.

"One of the objectives was to resume the rhythm with which I finished the season, which was good, because it has been an intense year, but it is a motivating challenge that I am very grateful for," said the lanky right-hander.

The situation became complicated for the Island in the sixth inning, when their opponents revealed themselves against Andy Vargas, with an attack of three hits and four runs to which defensive inaccuracies and a wild pitch also contributed.

Frank Luis Medina retired the seventh, but again there was tension in the eighth, because he took a jit and then an interference by catcher Andy Cosme put the only batter faced by Geonel Gutiérrez in circulation.

In that situation, Leodán Reyes played the role of hero by imposing tranquility with three strikeouts to leave the scene ready for closer Frank Abel Álvarez, who scored a point for a game saved.

Cuba's offense generated eight hits, with two per capita from Erisbel Arruebarruena and Lázaro Armenteros, and 11 from their opponents.

This Wednesday, left-hander Yoennis Yera will be the starter for the Caribbeans in the first of two scheduled games against CTBC Brothers, monarch of the home professional circuit, which they will face again on the following day, as a farewell to their stay in Taichung.

CUBA AT BAT

Jean Harvi Walters (RF) 3-0

Yoan Moncada (3B) 3-1

Erisbel Arruebarruena (SS) 4-2

Alfredo Despaigne (BD) 4-0

Rafael Viñales (LF) 2-0

Lázaro Armenteros (CF) 3-2 (1 double)

Roberto Baldoquín (1B) 4-1

Andy Cosme (C) 3-1

Yadil Mujica (2B) 3-1

Christian Rodriguez (SS) 1-0