In brief
In Dakar on November 4, 2026, the Cuban Baseball5 team secured the Youth Olympic Games title by beating Chinese Taipei 2‑0, with set scores of 2‑1 and 7‑1. The win avenged a group‑stage defeat and capped an impressive tournament record of five victories and one loss, showcasing disciplined defense and powerful hitting. Team captain Lazaro Diaz praised the squad’s unity and hard work.
On November 4, 2026, the Cuban Baseball5 team captured the gold medal at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, defeating Chinese Taipei 2‑0 in the final. Set scores were 2‑1 and 7‑1, and the victory also served as revenge for a group‑stage loss to the same opponent.
The Cuban squad posted a tournament record of five wins and one loss, underscoring its dominance in the sport and its status as reigning world champions in both senior and youth Baseball5 categories.
In the opening set, Cuban hitters capitalized on their third‑inning play, combining three hits and an error to score the two runs that secured the first‑set victory. The second set saw the team unleash a decisive five‑run burst in the first inning, followed by an impenetrable defensive effort that limited Chinese Taipei to a single run in the second inning of that set.
Diligent defense characterized the season too: the Cuban rosters “allowed only two runs—one in the second inning of each set—effectively avenging their earlier loss to the same opponent during the group stage,” according to Prensa Latina. The teams’ near‑flawless fielding, avoidance of unnecessary throws, and pursuit of force‑outs were highlighted as key factors in their triumph.
Cuban third baseman Jean Carlos Machado stood out at the plate, recording eight hits in ten at‑bats across the tournament. His offensive performance was a consistent backbone behind the team’s victory streak.
Team captain Lazaro Diaz reflected on the journey, saying "We are all very happy with this Olympic championship title, which included a victory in our rematch against Chinese Taipei. It took many days of training, but the group remained united throughout, and now we are reaping the rewards," he told the digital newspaper Jit as reported by Prensa Latina.
Dakar’s final day showcased a vibrant mix of youthful talent and international sportmanship, and Cuba’s win has now cemented the nation’s stance as a leading force in Baseball5 on the global stage.
