Puerto Rico Shows its Prowess with Victory in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
SAN JUAN – The Puerto Rico national team began its participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a resounding 5-0 victory over Colombia at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. The Puerto Rican team, after a slow start, unleashed its offense to secure the win.
The game remained scoreless until the fifth inning, at which point the Puerto Rican offense exploded with five runs, the result of five hits. This rally ignited the home crowd and defined the course of the match.
The key inning began with unstoppable hits from Carlos Cortés and Darell Hernaiz. An error by Colombian third baseman Gio Urshela allowed the first run, followed by a run-scoring single by Eddie Rosario. The offense continued with a run-producing hit by Martín Maldonado and a run-scoring double by Willi Castro. Heliot Ramos closed the inning with a sacrifice fly.
In the mound, Seth Lugo led the solid work of the Puerto Rican pitchers, throwing four scoreless innings. The Puerto Rican defense limited Colombia to six hits, all singles. Harold Ramírez stood out for Colombia with three hits.
Colombia tried to react in the eighth inning, loading the bases with two outs, but manager Yadier Molina called on reliever Fernando Cruz, who managed to get the necessary out to maintain the lead.
Star closer Edwin Díaz was called in the ninth inning and, despite allowing a single, struck out the next three batters to secure the shutout.
Puerto Rico’s next challenge will be against Panama.
