Team Cuba lost to the Rakuten Monkeys, 5-4, in a historic match for the Cubans

In the World Classic V preparation games, Cuba now has a 4-6 record

(Photo: Yuhki Ohboshi)

In a match with great historical significance for Cuban baseball, the Rakuten Monkeys of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), beat the Cuban national team 5-4, in a warm-up game for the Cubans ahead of the V World Baseball Classic, which will begin March 8 in Taichung, Taiwan.

A game that lasted only eight innings due to a three-hour time limit saw Cuba field active players in the Major League circuit for the first time in its rich baseball history, something that was unimaginable six months ago. Particularly considering the historical treatment provided by the island to players who left the country to play in foreign leagues, specifically the North American Major League Baseball (MLB).

Despite three errors by the Rakuten and nine hits by the Cubans, the Cuban national team lost the warmup game by a score of 5-4. It was their sixth loss in 10 games in preparation for the V World Baseball Classic.

The Cubans lined up as follows for this historic game:

Ronald Bolaños. (Photo: Yuhki Ohboshi)

For Cuba, Cespedes produced the first RBI. (Photo: Yuhki Ohboshi)

Cuba lined up as follows in this clash:

#1 Roel Santos, RF (0-for-4, GIDP)

#10 Yoán Moncada, 3B (2-for-2, R, BB)

#44 Dayán García, 3B (0-for-1)

#88 Luis Robert, CF (0-for-2, BB)

#27 Yurisbel Gracial, LF (1-for-1)

#54 Alfredo Despaigne, DH (2-for-4, 2B, R, RBI)

#7 Yoelkis Guibert, RF (0-for-1)

#52 Yoennis Céspedes, LF (1-for-2, RBI, BB)

#16 Lorenzo Quintana, C (1-for-3, GIDP)

#40 Ariel Martínez, C (0-for-1)

#33 Yadir Drake, 1B (0-for-4, K, GIDP, CS)

#77 Andy Ibáñez, 2B (2-for-3, 2B)

#8 Yadil Mujica, 2B (0-for-0)

#71 Erisbel Arruebarrena, SS (0-for-4, K)

#57 Ronald Bolaños, RHP (2.1 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 SO, BB, HBP)