The Venezuelan and Cuban teams began their participation in the first round of the World Baseball Classic with victories, after defeating the Netherlands and Panama, respectively, this Friday in games played in Miami and San Juan.

At IonDepot Park in Miami, the Venezuelan team defeated the Dutch 6-2 in the opening game of Group D. The Venezuelan offense found its footing early and then extended his lead with a productive fifth inning that ultimately sealed the victory. The team managed by Omar Lopez opened the scoring in the first inning. Luis Arraez hit a single to left field, allowing Ronald Acuna Jr. to advance and score the first run of the game. The Netherlands responded shortly after. In the top of the second inning, right fielder Drew Jones drove into the tying run when Hendrick Clementina crossed home plate to make it 1-1. The Venezuelan response was swift. At the bottom of the same inning, Javier Sanoja hit a solo home run that gave the South American team the lead again. The game took a clearer turn in the fifth inning. Arraez drew a walk, loading the bases. In that play, Andres Gimenez scored while Ronald Acuna advanced to third. Shortly after, William Contreras hit a single that drove in Acuna and Maikel Garcia to extend the lead. The offense continued with Wilyer Abreu, who hit to right field to drive in another run, scored by Arraez. The Netherlands got on the board in the sixth inning. Drew Jones hit a fly ball that allowed Didi Gregorius to score the Europeans' second run. With the victory, Venezuela prepares to face Israel this Saturday, again at IonDepot Park in Miami. In the other game of the group, the Netherlands will face Nicaragua. Cuba also starts with a win in San Juan. At Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, the Cuban national team defeated Panama 3-1 in the first game of Group A. The Cuban team took the lead in the second inning thanks to a home run by Yoelkis Guibert to right field off Panamanian starter Logan Allen. The lead was extended in the third inning when Yoan Moncada hit a two-run homer to left field, making the score 3-0 in favor of the Caribbean team. Cuban starter Livan Moinelo, the Most Valuable Player of the Japanese League, earned the win after pitching 3.2 innings,allowing two hits and striking out four batters. Panama scored on an offensive sequence started by Leonardo Bernal, who singled out and advanced to second after stealing a base. Later, he reached third on a groundout by Leo Jimenez and finally scored on an RBI single by Johan Camargo. The Cuban bullpen closed out the game with Raidel Martinez, who secured the save. Cuba's next game will be on Sunday against Colombia. Panama, meanwhile, will face Puerto Rico on Saturday. In Group A, the two teams with the best records will advance to the second round of the tournament.