Lewis Castillo Powers Venezuela Past Cuba, Secures U-23 Super Round Spot

Lewis Castillo hit two home runs, including a grand slam, as Venezuela beat Cuba 10-0 in five innings on Monday to secure a place in the Super Round of the 2026 WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup. Venezuela improved to 4-0 at Roberto Clemente Stadium in Masaya, Nicaragua, and has yet to allow a run in the tournament.

The latest shutout extended Venezuela’s extraordinary opening-round run differential to 37-0. Three of its four victories have ended early under the run rule, with the only seven-inning game a 7-0 win over Korea.

Castillo drives in five

Castillo opened the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning. Venezuela then broke the game open with seven runs in the second, and Castillo supplied the biggest swing: a grand slam that pushed the lead to 8-0.

The second baseman finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored and five RBIs. His two homers raised his tournament total to three after he also went deep against Korea.

Venezuela scored 10 runs on eight hits while drawing seven walks. Cuba committed three errors, helping Venezuela sustain the pressure throughout the decisive early innings. Byron Chourio, Johnfrank Salazar, Brailyn Antúnez and Giovanny Rivero also drove in runs.

Pitching staff extends scoreless streak

Alejandro Hidalgo started and allowed one hit over two scoreless innings, striking out three. Davidxon Lara earned the win after working two innings with one hit and two strikeouts, and Albert Rivas retired Cuba in order in the fifth to finish the run-rule victory.

Cuba managed only two hits. Venezuela’s pitchers did not issue a walk and combined for six strikeouts.

The result mathematically secured Venezuela’s place in the Super Round with one opening-round game remaining. Venezuela will face defending U-23 world champion Japan on Tuesday, with first place in Group B and an important carryover result for the next stage at stake.