Team Cuba and Panama are set to play their first World Baseball Classic game on Friday. Cuba and Panama are featured in Pool A along with Puerto Rico, Canada and Colombia.

Cuba won the group in the 2023 edition of the tournament and defeated Panama 13-4 in their third game. They finished 2-2 in pool play but a +10 run differential earned them the top seed. Despite their superior record, Cuba will face a tough test against Panama in their WBC opener.

World Baseball Classic: Cuba vs Panama Odds (DraftKings)

Moneyline

Cuba (-900)

Panama (+550)

Run Line

Cuba (-195)

Panama (+160)

Total

9 (Over -105/Under -120)

Preview: Probable starting pitchers and lineups

Cuba probable starting pitcher: Livan Moinelo

Livan Moinelo, who is expected to take the mound in Cuba’s first WBC game this year, is coming off a historic season with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He posted a 12-3 record and 1.46 ERA with 172 strikeouts over 167 innings, earning the Pacific League MVP award.

Cuba projected lineup

2B: Erisbel Arruebarrena

SS: Alexei Ramirez

3B: Yoán Moncada

1B: Yoel Yanqui

CF: Yoelquis Guibert

DH: Alfredo Despaigne

C: Omar Hernandez

LF: Roel Santos

RF: Leonel Moa

Panama probable starting pitcher: Logan Allen

Team Panama are expected to send Cleveland Guardians pitcher Logan Allen to the mound in Friday’s game against Cuba. While Allen has plyed his traded in the minor leagues over the last two seasons, he boasts MLB experience on his resume.

Panama projected lineup

SS: José Caballero

LF: Allen Cordoba

3B: Edmundo Sosa

C: Miguel Amaya

1B: Johan Camargo

RF: José Ramos

DH: Christian Bethancourt

2B: Leo Jiménez

CF: Enrique Bradfield Jr.

Pool A is likely the most balanced group in this year’s tournament with each team having a legitimate chance of making it to the quarterfinals. Both teams are evenly matched on paper but Cuba’s record gives them the edge in the contest.

Prediction: Cuba 4, Panama 2

Betting Tips

Although the Cuba are the favorites for the clash, Panama pose a strong threat to their chances. However, Cuba covering the -1.5 (-130) runline for the contest is a safer bet.