WBC 2026: Cuba Keeps Crushing, Beats Colombia 7-4 to Stay 2-0 in Pool A

Cuba won again in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, beating Colombia 7-4 in Pool A on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, moving to 2-0 and eliminating Colombia (0-3) from advancing. Manager German Mesa said postgame: "The environment here is very positive. The guys are having great fun in the ballgame. That is fundamental for a team to move forward." Cuba kept pace with Puerto Rico atop the pool; the two will meet Monday at 7 p.m. ET (FS1) in a battle of undefeated teams.

For the second game in a row, an early power surge propelled Cuba. Jordan Diaz's sacrifice fly gave Colombia its first lead of the WBC in the top of the first, but Ariel Martinez answered with a two-run homer on a 2-1 fastball from Luis Patiño in the bottom of the inning, and Erisbel Arruebarrena tacked on a first-pitch slider into the left-field seats. Cuba had just two homers in the entire 2023 Classic; through two games in 2026 they have four. Cuba expanded the lead in the sixth when Tito Polo dropped a fly in center (Yoel Yanqui scored) and Harold Ramirez misplayed Yiddi Cappe's line drive for a two-run triple. Colombia scratched two in the seventh but went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position (2-for-28 in the tournament). Yariel Rodriguez (Blue Jays) struck out three and has a Pool A–high six K's in two appearances. Colombia faces Panama Monday noon ET (FS2); Cuba faces Puerto Rico Monday 7 p.m. ET (FS1). The top two teams from Pool A advance to the quarterfinals in Houston (March 13–14).

How the game unfolded

Colombia took a 1-0 lead in the first; Martinez and Arruebarrena's homers in the bottom of the inning shifted momentum to Cuba. Eight Cuba pitchers combined for three earned runs and nine strikeouts. Colombia's Jose Mosquera said: "I've always thought commitment, intention, and attitude is what we lack sometimes. Today was a tough defeat—it eliminates us and places us back in maybe having to qualify again." Cuba's strong pitching and the sixth-inning miscues sealed the 7-4 final. Cuba now gets Puerto Rico in a showdown for the pool lead.

Pool A context and what's next

Pool A at Hiram Bithorn in San Juan is one of the most balanced groups in the 2026 WBC. Cuba and Puerto Rico are both 2-0; Canada is 1-1; Panama is 1-2; Colombia is 0-3 and eliminated. Cuba vs. Puerto Rico Monday will go a long way toward deciding the top seed. Pool play runs through March 11; every game will shape who reaches Houston.

Names to watch for AthX

Yariel Rodriguez (Blue Jays), Ariel Martinez, Erisbel Arruebarrena, and Yiddi Cappe are key names for Cuba. Colombia features Luis Patiño, Jordan Diaz, and Harold Ramirez. WBC performance does not affect dynamic pricing—AthX prices are driven by MLB performance—but a strong tournament can boost narrative and demand before Opening Day.

What It Means for AthX

WBC stats don't count in dynamic pricing; AthX share prices are based on MLB playing time and results. Still, WBC results can shape narrative and demand for players on both rosters. Use the WBC as a lead-in to see who's in form, then browse the marketplace to see how MLB players are valued on AthX.

*Sources: MLB.com – Cuba keeps crushing, rolls into game vs. fellow unbeaten Puerto Rico; official WBC Pool A results. Fact-checked March 8, 2026.*