In an extraordinary display of dominance, the Diablos Rojos de México overwhelmed the Matanzas Crocodiles with a staggering 36-13 victory during the final game of the round robin at the Baseball Champions League Americas 2026. This remarkable match took place at the Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium in Mexico City, marking one of the most lopsided results in recent international baseball history.
The unusually high score exemplifies the significant disparity between the two teams throughout the tournament, organized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) from March 24 to March 29 in Mexico's capital.
Disappointing Tournament for Matanzas
Arriving at this game already out of the finals with a 1-3 record, Matanzas had only managed a single victory in their opening match against the CTBC Brothers from Chinese Taipei (9-8) on March 25.
This latest defeat capped off a disappointing campaign for the Cuban team. They faced substantial losses against Dantos de Managua (16-6) on March 26, Kane County Cougars (9-0) on March 27 — with a standout performance from pitcher Brandon Komar — and once again against the Diablos Rojos (11-2) earlier in the tournament.
Fallen Giants of Cuban Baseball
The outcome further tarnished the record of the Crocodiles, who came into the tournament as the reigning giants of Cuban baseball. They had secured the 64th National Series title on February 14, boasting a 12-2 postseason record and a +58 run differential, culminating in an 11-0 knockout of Las Tunas at Havana's Latin American Stadium.
Under the leadership of Armando Ferrer, the team featured standout players like pitcher Yoennis Yera — sporting a 6-6 record with a 2.75 ERA in the 64th National Series — first baseman Ariel Martínez, center fielder and captain Eduardo Blanco — MVP of the domestic postseason — slugger José Amaury Noroña, catcher Andrys Pérez, and outfielder Yassiel González, the regular season MVP.
Pressure and Expectations
Matanzas's participation in this tournament carried additional weight: Cuba was excluded from the 2026 Caribbean Series held in Guadalajara in February, making the Champions League Americas the sole international stage for Cuban baseball this season.
Their aim was to surpass or at least match the runner-up finish achieved by Las Tunas in the previous edition, where they fell to the same Diablos Rojos, led by Charles Lorenzo Bundy.
The Cuban Baseball Federation deemed this exclusion disrespectful, adding pressure on the Crocodiles to showcase Cuban baseball's caliber on the international front.
FAQs on the Baseball Champions League Americas
What was the final score between Diablos Rojos de México and Matanzas Crocodiles?
The final score was 36-13 in favor of the Diablos Rojos de México.
Why was this match significant for Matanzas?
This match was significant because it marked the end of a disappointing campaign for Matanzas, as they were already out of the finals and it was their only opportunity to showcase Cuban baseball internationally this season.
Who were some key players for Matanzas in the tournament?
Key players for Matanzas included pitcher Yoennis Yera, first baseman Ariel Martínez, center fielder Eduardo Blanco, slugger José Amaury Noroña, catcher Andrys Pérez, and outfielder Yassiel González.