Puerto Rico explodes in the fifth inning and shuts out Colombia in its World Baseball Classic debut

SAN JUAN. – The Puerto Rico team needed several innings to get into an offensive rhythm, but when it finally did, it unleashed a forceful attack that led it to a 5-0 victory over Colombia in its debut of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.

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After remaining hitless for the first four innings, the Puerto Ricans exploded in the fifth inning with five hits and five runs that ignited the local fans and set the course of the game. The rally began when Carlos Cortés and Darell Hernaiz connected the team’s first hits. Shortly after, an error by Colombian third baseman Gio Urshela allowed the first run of the game to score. Immediately afterwards, Eddie Rosario hit a run-scoring single to right field that extended the lead. The offensive continued with an unstoppable performance by catcher Martín Maldonado and a run-scoring double by Willi Castro. The big inning was completed by a sacrifice fly from Heliot Ramos that brought another run home. In the mound, opener Seth Lugo threw four scoreless innings to lead the solid collective work of the Puerto Rican pitching, which limited Colombia to just six hits, all singles. Outfielder Harold Ramírez was the most productive hitter for the Colombians, connecting three of those hits. Colombia seriously threatened in the eighth inning by loading the bases with two outs, but manager Yadier Molina turned to reliever Fernando Cruz, who got a fly out to extinguish the threat. Colombian opener José Quintana worked three scoreless innings, but the bullpen couldn’t contain the Puerto Rican offense in the fifth inning. To close out the game, star closer Edwin Díaz was called in the ninth inning. Although he allowed an initial single, he retired the next three batters via strikeout to secure the shutout. Colombia’s next commitment will be against Canada, while Puerto Rico will face Panama in their second group match.