Puerto Rico Crushes Colombia in the Debut of the 2026 World Baseball Classic
SAN JUAN – The Puerto Rico team demonstrated its power in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, defeating Colombia with a score of 5-0 at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.
Although the home team was slow to fine-tune its attack, once it did, it unleashed a relentless offense that secured the victory.
After four scoreless innings, Puerto Rico exploded in the fifth inning with a series of unstoppable hits that ignited the fans and defined the course of the game.
The rally 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 double by Willi Castro. Heliot Ramos completed the attack with a sacrifice fly.
The team demonstrated its ability to react and capitalize on opportunities.
In the mound, opener Seth Lugo led the performance of Puerto Rican pitching, throwing four scoreless innings. The pitching staff limited Colombia to only six hits.
Colombia tried to react in the eighth inning, but reliever Fernando Cruz extinguished the threat with a fly out.
Closer Edwin Díaz secured the shutout in the ninth inning, striking out three batters.
Puerto Rico’s next challenge will be against Panama.
