Could we say Team Spain is –at this point- one of the most surprising teams after 1st round of World Cup? Maybe yes, bearing in mind not only their good scores in the three games at Barcelona venue: solid victory against South Africa (15-0), and two exciting games (though loosing at the end) against two powerful teams like Puerto Rico (5-3) and Cuba (5-4).
Second reason for Spanish hopes is the great level of performance shown by his players in these first 3 games: this team is a mix of players acting in Spanish Elite League (mainly from Marlins and FC Barcelona) as well some of good prospects playing at America (like Figueroa brothers, or Noguera), and some others acting in Italian Baseball League (catcher Dewis Navarro, pitchers Jorge Balboa, Fernando Gutierrez or Joel Hernández).
The fact and the milestone for Spain team is now they are in the Second Round in The Netherlands, for their first time in history. Now it comes the moment of truth: Spain will face again with Cuba and Puerto Rico: for sure players will desire to overpass them this team… but everybody knows it won´t be an easy task. Maybe the team will play with less pressure, once reached Second Round. And surele they will miss the heat of the cheering crowd that has supported the team in the 3 games at Barcelona. But they want to confirm Spain team is one of the upcoming baseball teams not only in Europe (after great performance in 2007 Eurobaseball) but also at international level.
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Competition started last 9th September, after Opening Ceremony with the presence of Mr Juan A. Samarach, former IOC President and Cataluña Sport Main Representatives.
SPAIN 15 - SOUTH AFRICA 0
Spain first game was a great gift for all spanish baseball friends, who could enjoy a great victory based on a strong offensive power (16 hits, 2 HR), and a good pitching, specially by Eric Gonzalez.
Spain started scoring 2 in first inning with a homer by Luis Perez. The reds scored 3 more in 3rd, after singles by Emmanuel Febles, Daniel Figueroa and double by Dewis Navarro.
5th inning was amazing, with up to 6 more runs for Spain, against non-solid pitchers of South Africa: homer by Dewis Navarro, singles by Daniel Martinez, Jose Luis Riera, Nestor Perez and double by Daniel Figueroa.
The final 15 run difference rule came in 6th inning, with 3 more runs, 2 of each drove in by Lester Galvan.
Check here the full box score of the game: 
ESP 15 - RSA 0
ESPAÑA 3- PUERTO RICO 5
After Cuba defeating Puerto Rico previous day (10-5), Spain great hopes were on this game agains Puerto Rico. Many spanish veteran fans remembered that occasion...in Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, when Spain defeated Puerto Rico, with the presence and support of King Juan Carlos I at the stands of Viladecans Stadium...
And the game didnt deceived anybody: it was a hard and tied game, with strong and hard pitching for both teams: Antonio Noguera for Spain, and Mario Santiago for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico scored first run in second inning with a homerun by Gotay, and 2 more runs in 3rd, after a 2 run double by Casanova and a error on throw.
Spain could have started scoring before, when righfielder catch a fly ball over the fence in one of the brilliant plays of the game, avoiding an almost sure homerun by Daniel Martinez.
But Spain did not give up. The reds reacted with a 2 runs homer by William Domero at 4th inning. And scored one more in 6th, after a hit by Paco Figueroa and a throwing error.
But Puerto Rico got the final lead in 8th inning, after a dropped fly at outfield.
Check the box score of this amazing game in here: ESP 3 - PUR 5
CUBA 5 - ESPAÑA 4
Cuban and Spanish players offered last saturday another spectacular game to all baseball fans at Montjuic Stadium: full stadium and nice atmosphere with hundreds of Cuban team supporters also.
And the truth is Spain was near to win aginst the most victorious tema in all-time World Cup history. The first 5 innings were blanked for both teams, with pitchers controlling the batters in general.
In 6th inning Spain put the heat in the stands when scored 2 runs, after singles by Febles, Riera and D Figueroa.
Even at the top of 8th, Spain was ahead, but this time pinch hitters from Cuba were the "go-to player": Borrero singled to midle infield and drove in 2 runs.
And Peraza homered at bottom of 8th (even with an rare out by rule, due to a runner passing throug the previous runner.
Box score of the game is here: CUB 5 - ESP 4
Now it comes 2nd round: best wishes for Spain team in upcoming games, which will be surelly full of emotion.
