The Cuban squad is directed by Carlos Marti, manager of the Granma team in the Cuban National Baseball League.

By SIGFREDO BARROS

A productive offence of 13 hits and 6 innings of solid pitching by Alberto Soto gave Cuba an 8-inning mercy rule 13-3 victory Sunday over Holland in the opening game of the 22nd "AAA" World Junior Baseball Championship being played in three central Cuban provinces.

Soto, a righthander, scattered five hits and one earned run before being relieved. Leadoff hitter Leonys Martin hit the only homer of the game for Cuba and the young sensation Dayan Viciedo went 2 for 4 with three runs scored. First baseman Yoquey Perez was 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs and right fielder Darian Alvarez scored twice while batting 2 for 3.

The Cuban squad is directed by Carlos Marti, manager of the Granma team in the Cuban National Baseball League.

The highly competitive tournament involves 12 teams divided into 2 groups in the under-19 category and runs through September 27 in Ciego de Avila, Villa Clara and Sancti Spiritus.

Group A includes Australia, South Korea, Cuba, Holland, Panama, and South Africa.

Group B is made up by Canada, Chinese Taipei, Spain, United States, Italy and Mexico.

While Cuba and Holland get the day off Monday, the other ten competing teams all see action. South Africa plays Australia, South Korea meets Panama, Italy plays Spain, the United States plays Chinese Taipei and Mexico faces Canada.

Source: Granma