Las Tunas pitcher Dánel Reyes was chosen as the best reliever in the U-15 Baseball World Cup, won this Sunday by the United States, after defeating Cuba 4-3.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- The lanky pitcher, 1.90 meters tall, was the first option of the Antillean bullpen throughout the entire tournament and was key for his team to advance to the Super Round, by achieving victories against the Mexicans and Chinese Taipei in the very competitive group A.

In all, Reyes pitched 9 1/3 innings with just two earned runs allowed, four walks, and nine strikeouts. His ERA was 1.50 and his WHIP was 1.29.

The only setback he suffered in the contest hosted by Hermosillo, Mexico, occurred precisely in the grand finale against the favorite American team. Dánel relieved the starter Robier Hernández in the third episode and walked until the fifth inning with the match tied at three runs. However, in that inning, he allowed a single to the first batter and was immediately replaced by mentor Alexánder Urquiola.

The reliever from Granma, Mailon Batista, was called in his place, who gave a walk and greatly complicated the situation; then he could not avoid the United States from making the ultimately decisive score.

The Cuban team dominated the World Cup All-Star Team; as well as Reyes as the best reliever, they included catcher Yaider Ruiz, third baseman Alejandro Cruz, and shortstop Jonathan Valle as the most outstanding defensive player.

Now, the winners of the World Cups in the category have the United States as the only leader, which broke the seven-title tie with Cuba. Behind North Americans (8) and Cubans (7), Japan is placed, with a couple of crowns conquered in the first two editions of 1989 and 1991. The teams from Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Brazil, and Venezuela achieve a gold medal each.