Friday, October 20, 2023.- Cuba and Colombia faced off on Friday in the final game of the first round of male's baseball at the Pan American Games Santiago 2023, held at the Parque Bicentenario de Cerrillos. The final score was 4-3 in favor of the Cubans, who are currently at the top of Group B alongside Brazil. 

The Central Americans scored one run in the first inning and two in the third, but the Colombians responded with one run in the second inning and two in the fourth. However, Cuba added another run in the fifth inning, which the South Americans couldn't overcome. 

This way, all eight teams at the Santiago 2023 Games have seen action, with Mexico's dominant victory over Chile (16-0) and Brazil's surprising win over Venezuela (3-1) standing out. Today's match, however, was the closest of them all. 

After this first round, Group A is led by Mexico and Panama, the latter having defeated the Dominican Republic 4-1. Meanwhile, Brazil and Cuba are the leaders of Group B. 

The competition will continue on Saturday, October 21st, with matches between Mexico and the Dominican Republic at 09:30 a.m. and Chile against Panama at 03:00 p.m. As for Group B, on Sunday, Brazil will face Colombia at 09:30 a.m., and Cuba will play against Venezuela at 03:30 p.m. 

It's worth noting that the top two teams from each group will advance to the super round, where the battle for the gold medal will begin. Cuba is the most successful nation in Pan American baseball history, with 12 gold medals, but in Santiago, they aim to step onto the podium for the first time since Rio de Janeiro in 2007. 

Written by Alejandro Pérez; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Photosport