Marloon Herrera’s tears were ones of joy during Cuba’s Little League World Series opener in South Williamsport. With Cuba trailing in the fifth inning, Marloon hit a two-run double that helped his team secure a 4-1 victory over the Czech Republic. This win marked Cuba’s second appearance in the LLWS, evoking strong emotions among the team members.

Reflecting on the significance of the win and the team’s journey from Santa Clara Little League, manager Everaldo Machado expressed the deep-rooted passion for baseball in Cuba. The partnership established in 2019 between Little League and Cuban baseball officials enabled Cuba to participate in the LLWS.

Following the win, Cuban closer Yans Espinosa celebrated the final out with enthusiasm, mirroring the excitement seen in left field where Marloon fell to his knees after the victory-sealing strikeout. The team is fully immersing themselves in the LLWS experience, attending other games and embracing the camaraderie with players from different countries.

Hailing from Villa Clara, the team traveled over 1,300 miles to compete in the tournament. Despite their families not being present in Pennsylvania, the players feel their support from afar. Baseball holds a central role in Villa Clara, with many players like Deivy Hernandez and Yans being introduced to the sport by relatives.

Manager Machado emphasized the importance of maintaining passion and enjoyment off the field, alongside the competitive spirit during games. As they prepare to face Taiwan, known for strong performances in their initial games, Machado stresses the need for his team to play freely and focus on having fun.

With a strong community support back home, the Cuban team is embracing the unique LLWS experience with their eyes set on advancing in the tournament.