Left-hander Yoennis Yera will take the mound against the Dominican Republic in Cuba’s initial game of the third edition of the Premier 12. During the preparation games, the native of Matanzas, Cuba pitched in three of them, posting a 1-1 record, 2.45 earned run average and struck out 13 opponents in 11 innings pitched.
Without a doubt it is a quite risky decision by Cuba to go with its number two starter to open the tournament, the Dominican Republic is a team that has plenty of hitters with experience in professional circuits. Regarding the decision of manager Armando Johnson told Cuban journalist Joel García: “It is a collegiate and risky decision, but we have made it to save Liván Moinelo for the game against Korea.”
“I am ready and motivated. “It is a team filled with professional players, but we are going to look for that first victory, which can put us in better conditions to face Korea,” said Yera declared to García. The southpaw has seen action in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol. Over the last three years he has pitched with the Olmecas de Tabasco, compiling a 13-9 record, a 3.49 ERA and 215 strikeouts. His most notable season was in 2022 (8-2, 3.01 ERA, 88 SO), where he even tossed a no-hitter.
“First of all I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to start this game against the Dominican Republic. We are physically, mentally prepared and we are all going to reach the goal at hand,” Yera confessed in an interview this Tuesday with the digital media Jit.
“I think the Dominican Republic has a great team, but if we do our jobs I think there will be no problems of any kind and will win the game,” added Yera regarding his rivals this Wednesday. “I am physically and mentally prepared to do the job, and it will show.” Yera has also seen action in the Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico with the Algodoneros de Guasave and the Charros de Jalisco.