Jose Noroba, batting third and playing center field, went hitless in two official at-bats, while also drawing a walk and striking out once.

The native of Cuba’s Matanzas province made CPB history by becoming the first player from the largest Caribbean archipelago to score a run in the Asian tournament.

Meanwhile, Yasiel Gonzalez—a native of Holguin—also started in his debut for the Xiamen Dolphins, batting fourth and playing right field; he recorded a hit in three at-bats, driving in his team’s first run of the season.

Both players were part of the Cuban team that represented the Caribbean nation at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, and they aim to continue making history during their first season in Chinese professional baseball.

jdt/mem/gcs