The King has fallen.

On a wet, drizzly evening at Tien Mou Stadium in Taipei City the United States National Team erased 33 years of frustrations with a decisive 6-3 win over Cuba to capture the 37th Baseball World Cup. The Americans victory ended the Cubans nine-tournament winning streak at the IBAF tournament.

The Americans chased Cuban starter Yadel Marti – who nearly tossed a perfect game against Venezuela earlier in the tourney – in the second inning with three straight hits to grab a 1-0 lead. But Team USA was not finished yet.

With the bases loaded Cuban reliever Norberto Gonzalez issued free passes to both Colby Rasmus and Jayson Nix to make the scoreboard read 3-0. It would prove to be a lead the Americans would never relinquish.

 Photo courtesy of IBAF

Team USA increased the lead to 4-0 the next frame when Jason Jaramillo knocked home Evan Longoria with a double to the gap in right field. A solo homer by Nix – the tournament Most Valuable Player – leading off the fourth increased the lead to 5-0.

While the Americans were peppering Cuban pitching, Team USA starter Brian Duensing was mowing down the Big Red Tide allowing just a lone run and five hits over 4.2 innings. Cuba finally got on the board in the fifth when centerfielder Alfredo Despaigne stroked a two-run single to make the score 5-2.

Team USA bullpen continued to shine with Steve Shell tossing three solid innings surrendering one run on two hits to earn the win. Teammates Jerry Blevins and Jeff Stevens registered the final four outs to secure the Gold medals for the jubilant Americans.

Justin Ruggiano’s third hit of the night in the seventh drove home Longoria to increase the Americans lead to 6-2. Delwyn Young – who doubled off the right field wall moments earlier – was gunned out at the plate on a terrific throw by Despaigne.

The Cubans added a run in the eight frame when free-swinging third baseman Yuliesky Gourriel ripped a two-out double and scored on a single by Alex Mayeta to make the finally tally 6-3.

The Americans torched five Cuban hurlers to the tune of 14 hits led by Ruggiano (3-for-4, RBI), Nix (2-for-4, 2 RBI), Longoria (2-for-5), Jaramillo (2-for-4, 2 RBI), and Andy LaRoche (2-for-5) to win their first World Cup title since 1974.

While Cuba’s reign at the World Cup may have ended, their dominance at international tournaments continue. Cuba took home the Silver medals while performing well below their usual lofty standards and have now appeared in the title game in an amazing 49 straight international tourneys.

Tags: World Cup