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The coach of Team Cuba, Germán Mesa, announced that he will make changes to the lineup for the crucial game against Canada and confirmed that left-hander Liván Moinelo will be the starting pitcher for that match in the VI World Baseball Classic.
The information was provided by Mesa himself to Prensa Latina, through a message sent via WhatsApp, a few hours before the match that will determine the second spot from Group A to the quarterfinals.
Cuba reaches the commitment with a record of 2-1, after defeating Panama and Colombia and recently losing 4-1 to Puerto Rico, a team that has already secured its qualification undefeated with a record of 3-0.
Regardless of the outcome of the game between Puerto Rico and Canada, the clash between the Cubans and Canadians will determine who advances alongside the Puerto Ricans to the next round of the tournament.
Changes in the lineup
Mesa explained that the coaching staff decided to review the performance of the first three matches and make adjustments to the offense.
"After analyzing the games, we are planning some changes in the lineup," said the strategist, who noted that the modifications will be finalized after a meeting of the coaching staff.
During the tournament, various fans and journalists had requested changes to the offensive lineup, but the manager preferred to maintain trust in his players. He now acknowledges that it is time to make adjustments in search of better results.
"The morale, the spirit, and the attitude of the group are good," assured the director.
Moinelo, the main letter from the mound
Mesa also confirmed that the person designated to start the game will be Liván Moinelo, regarded as the key arm of the Cuban staff.
The left-hander arrives at the Classic with great prestige after a standout season in the Japanese League with the SoftBank Hawks, where he was the Most Valuable Player of the Pacific League and a member of the championship's all-star team.
Their presence on the mound represents one of the team's main hopes for keeping their tournament aspirations alive.
Adjustments After the Defeat Against Puerto Rico
The manager also analyzed the loss to Puerto Rico, explaining that the game tilted early after the Puerto Ricans scored three runs in the second inning.
Additionally, he emphasized that the local pitchers used their best relievers to halt the Cuban offense.
After hitting four home runs in the first two games, Cuba managed only two hits against the Puerto Rican pitching staff, a scoring drought that now necessitates urgent adjustments.
With the picture clear, Mesa summarized the team's objective simply: "The goal is clear: to win one more game."
That victory against Canada would be enough for Cuba to advance to the quarter-finals of the World Baseball Classic.
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