Cuba Wins Bronze in II Series of the Americas

Cuba defeated the Águilas Metropolitanas of Panama 7-2 today at the Simón Bolívar Monumental Stadium to claim the bronze medal in the II Series of the Americas baseball tournament, Grand Caracas 2026.

As happened in the previous game, the team led by Germán Mesa took control from the very first inning, scoring two runs against starter Brayan Cáceres.

Erisbel Arruebarrena and Yoelquis Guibert, who connected for a single and a double respectively, crossed the plate driven in by a Yasiel González infield roller and a wild pitch.

In the second inning, the Canaleros tied the game on a two-run homer by Edgard Muñoz, but the Cubans manufactured four runs in the third inning against the losing pitcher Cáceres, taking a lead they defended until the end.

Harold Vázquez, with a base hit, and Christian Rodríguez, with a home run that found two teammates on base, were responsible for driving in the runs.

"I'm happy because the work paid off and I was able to help the team. We knew this game was important and we went out to fight for it from the very first moment," said Rodríguez, one of the tournament's most outstanding players.

"I feel good wherever they put me. Even though I don't play third base all year, a shortstop can perform at any position, and I take it on in the best way possible," he added, thanking the fans for their support.

The Panamanians' agony increased in the sixth inning when Roel Santos drove in the seventh run for the Antilleans, closing out the afternoon's scoring.

José Ignacio Bermúdez was the winning pitcher with five innings of work, during which he struck out four opponents, issued only one walk, and allowed five hits and two runs.

His reliever Yusniel Padrón worked three impeccable innings, allowing just one hit, and Frank Abel Álvarez closed the door by recording the final three outs.

"The offense worked, the pitching also responded, and although we always want more, this team fought hard and conducted itself at a high level," said Cuban manager Germán Mesa after the game.

"It wasn't an elite team, but it was a team that battled and earned a medal. I'm very self-critical, I always want a little more, but the result is good," Mesa added.

Tonight at the same venue at 7:30 p.m. local time, the championship of this continental tournament will be contested between the Caimanes de Barranquilla and the host team, Navegantes de Magallanes.