WATCH: Erisbel Arruebarrena goes yard against Team Chinese Taipei in the World Baseball Classic

Erisbel Arruebarrena got Team Cuba off to a brilliant start in their game against Team Chinese Taipei in their final fixture in Pool A of the World Baseball Classic (WBC). He struck a powerful two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning as Cuba raced to a 4-run lead early on.

Arruebarrena hit Taiwan's Shih-Peng Chen for a flyball toward center field as it went above the outfielder's head and over the wall. The second base was also loaded as Alfredo Despigne scored along with Erisbel.

If Cuba goes on to win the contest, they will complete their Pool Stage campaign with a 2-2 record and .500 PCT. Their solitary win in the competition thus far has come against Panama in a 13-4 game.

Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, have come back strong after their opening-day loss to Panama. They inflicted defeats on Italy and the much-fancied Netherlands as they look to make it to the second round.

As of now, all 5 teams remain in the hunt to qualify for the quarterfinals. The final game of this Pool will be an evening clash between the two European representatives, Italy and The Netherlands.

Erisbel Arruebarrena history in the Majors with Los Angeles Dodgers

Erisbel Arruebarrena was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers system from 2014 to 2019. The Dodgers announced that they had signed him to a 5-year contract worth a reported $25 million, with a $7.5 million signing bonus. A mediocre run in the majors with the franchise meant he was sent to the minor leagues.

After completing his contract run, Arruebarrena returned Cuba, becoming the first Cuban ex-MLB player to return to the Cuban baseball league system.