Yilian Tornes outduels Anyibel Ramirez to lead Cuba past Spain

In an exciting pitching duel, Cuba defeated Spain today, 2-1, to close Day 2 of the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group B. Cuba’s left-hander Yilian Tornes struck out nine hitters in seven innings, giving up only three hits and two walks.

Cuba scored first in the game, when Yilian Rondon singled to centre field to bring in Leannelys Zayas and give Cuba a 1-0 lead.

One inning later, Spaniard slugger Uxue Modrego slashed a solo homer over the left field fence to tie the game at one. This would be the only run allowed by Tornes in the game.

However, in the bottom half of the fourth, red-hot Yanisleidys Casanova knocked in the go-ahead run with a hit to left field, a tough fly ball on the left field line that Candela Garcia couldn’t catch, to allow Maidelis Reyes to score easily from second base.

For Spain, Anyibel Ramirez was the losing pitcher in spite of pitching extremely well. She pitched six innings and struck out four, while giving up six hits, two runs and two walks.

With this result, Cuba swept today’s doubleheader and finished the day atop of the standings with a perfect 3-0 record.