HOUSTON, Texas - January 3, 2026 - Cuba put the game out of reach with an eight-run first inning and went on to defeat Mexico North 8-2 on Saturday. Cuba collected 11 hits, including home runs from Jose Ferrer and Roidel Martinez, while Mexico North finished with six hits.
After a scoreless top of the first, Cuba sent a succession of hitters to the plate and built its entire eight-run advantage in the bottom half. Luis Rives opened the scoring with an RBI single that brought home Martinez. D. Bulet followed with a run-scoring single, and Adriel Labrada added another RBI single to make it 3-0. Freddy Gonzalez then singled in Bulet for a four-run lead.
Ferrer delivered the inning's biggest blow, a three-run home run that scored Gonzalez and Labrada and pushed Cuba ahead 7-0. Martinez followed with a solo home run to complete the eight-run inning and give Cuba an 8-0 lead.
Mexico North Answers in the Middle Innings
Mexico North broke through in the fourth when Anthony Hampton singled home Jacob DeLaCerda, cutting the deficit to 8-1. In the fifth, Angel Davila reached on a throwing error by the Cuba pitcher and eventually scored an unearned run, making it 8-2.
Those were Mexico North's only runs. The visitors managed six hits but struck out 11 times and left eight runners on base. Daniel Rodriguez had two hits, while DeLaCerda, Hampton, Jose Fernandez and Erick Rodriguez added one apiece. Erick Rodriguez recorded the team's lone double.
Ferrer and Martinez Lead Cuba's Offense
Ferrer finished 2-for-2 with three RBIs, a home run, a walk and a stolen base. Martinez went 2-for- 3 with two runs scored, a solo home run and one RBI. Oscar Valdez also recorded two hits, and Labrada went 2-for-3 with an RBI.
Rives, Bulet and Gonzalez each drove in a run as Cuba's offense produced all eight RBIs during its first-inning outburst. Cuba did not score again after the opening frame.
Cuba Pitching Limits the Damage
Orlando Barroso started for Cuba and was credited in the supplied box score with five innings, six hits, two runs (one earned), two walks and eight strikeouts. Lisver Reyes followed with one scoreless inning, allowing no hits while walking two and striking out three. Together, the two pitchers were credited with 11 strikeouts.
Mexico North starter Marco Becerril allowed eight runs on nine hits in one inning, including both Cuba home runs. Adam Rodriguez stabilized the game with four scoreless innings, giving up two hits and striking out four. Michael Martinez worked a scoreless inning without allowing a hit and recorded one strikeout.
Final Line Score
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico North | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| Cuba | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 8 | 11 | 1 |
Game Notes
Home runs: Jose Ferrer (Cuba), Roidel Martinez (Cuba). Mexico North RBI: Anthony Hampton. Cuba RBIs: Ferrer (3), Martinez, Rives, Bulet, Labrada and Gonzalez. Defensive error: Orlando Barroso (Cuba). Double plays: Mexico North turned one.