# Germán Mesa Leads Cuba to an Unbeaten Start in Santo Domingo 2026 Baseball

**Date:** 08/05/2026

Cuba's national baseball team, managed by legendary shortstop Germán Mesa, advanced undefeated (3-0) to the Super Round of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026, after beating host Dominican Republic 9-6 in extra innings on August 3.


Cuba jumped ahead with three runs in the first inning, saw the Dominican team tie the game 4-4 by the fourth, and pulled away with a five-run eighth inning. Reliever Armando Dueñas earned the win after entering in the seventh, while starter Geonel Gutiérrez worked a clean first inning.


Mesa, 58, was one of Cuban baseball's most celebrated shortstops during the 1980s and 1990s, nicknamed "El Mago" ("The Magician") for his defensive skills, and represented Cuba's national team at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. He currently serves as vice president of the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation and was also confirmed as Cuba's manager for the upcoming VI World Baseball Classic.


Ahead of the tournament, Mesa said his coaching staff wants the team to play "with joy and discipline," aiming to avoid putting suffocating pressure on the players.