The anxiety once again took over the followers of the cuban baseball when this Tuesday the team representing the island lost 6-7 to the undefeated Águilas Metropolitanas of Panama.
This is a result that complicates Cuba’s chances of advancing to the semifinals of the Series of the Americas that is disputed in Venezuela.
Those led by Germán Mesa had the opportunity that, with the victory and the ticket to the decisive round safely secured, the defeats in their two initial presentations of the tournament would remain like a nightmare of the past.
However, just three outs from victory, the plan fell apart with the canal comeback against closer Frank Abel Álvarez, which included a costly final error by third baseman Cristian Rodríguez.
Nobody can with Panama
Águilas Metropolitanas continues to gain height in this #SeriesOfTheAmericas by achieving their fifth consecutive victory thanks to a late comeback against Cuba
The day started with everything and this result came to you for… pic.twitter.com/gCpERobb9L
— #UnaVidaUnaLiga ⚾️ (@LVBP_Oficial) February 10, 2026
A path of thorns
Although the Cubans managed to go ahead in the first inning, their path throughout the match was thorny and ended up derailing the Antillean team.
The initial two-run lead was diluted when the Canaleros, after balancing the score in the third inning, took the lead one inning later thanks to Carlos Sánchez’s home run against starter Randy Martínez, review Latin Press (PL).
The tournament leaders gained further distance in the seventh inning, taking advantage of two walks given by reliever Osdany Rodríguez, and an RBI double against Yusniel Padrón. However, the Cuban team once again showed mettle to overcome adverse scores, and scored a four-run rally crowned by Yoelquis Guibert’s timely unstoppable hit.
It was then that, with the classification already close, the game went wrong for Cuba. Frank Abel gave away a pair of consecutive walks and then a sacrifice bunt took effect when, immediately afterwards, a ground ball through the infield opened the doors to a tie.
In these circumstances came the fateful throw in which Cristian Rodríguez, after a ground ball to the third base, botched the shot at first that sealed a defeat that could mark Cuba’s destiny in the tournament.
Americas Series: Cuba comes back against Curacao and sneaks into the qualification zone
Sea of uncertainty
Now, with a balance of two successes and three setbacks, the island’s classification depends on a victory this Wednesday over the already classified Caimanes de Barranquilla, who represent Colombia, or other combinations of results.
Only the victory this Wednesday over the coffee growers at the Jorge Luis García Carneiro stadium in La Guaira would guarantee Cuba a smooth advance towards the decisive stage of the tournament.
A defeat would leave them with a similar balance of 2-4 as the Nicaraguan Leones de León, who would be favored by having won the particular duel.
There is only one place left in the top four… Who will get it?
With one day left in the #SeriesOfTheAmericas Panama consolidated itself at the top of the SO VAN #BREAD
Venezuela also secured its position as escort, while Colombia achieved its… pic.twitter.com/tUy6PJhCNx
— #UnaVidaUnaLiga ⚾️ (@LVBP_Oficial) February 11, 2026
Other calculations will prevail in the event of a triple tie, since the Pinoleros would advance if the formula also includes the Argentines of Daom (1-4), the other team with the possibility of reaching two successes.
If the triple tie includes the Nicaraguans and Curacaoans (1-4), who can also reach two victories in the day, the ticket would go to Cuba, he clarifies P.L..
To avoid any surprise, the Cuban high command will entrust the opening to left-hander Darío Sarduy. Barely 20 years old and with two National Series under his belt, the young pitcher is currently contracted by the SoftBank Falcons, in the Japanese Professional Baseball League (NPB).
