1995 America’s Baseball Challenge

Cuba pounded Nicaragua 11-1 to win the 1995 America’s Baseball Challenge in Edmonton, Canada. The Cubans went undefeated in the tournament with a 6-0 mark.

Cuban leadoff man Jose Estrada, who hit .538 (14-for-26) in the tourney, was 3-for-4 in the Championship Game with a pair of home runs and four RBI. Cuban hitting legends Orestes Kindelan and Lourdes Gourriel – along with shortstop German Mesa – also slammed homers for the tournament champions.

Luis Arrojo picked up the win for Cuba limiting Nicaragua to just three hits over seven frames while fanning seven. The Cubans battered four Nicaraguan pitchers for 14 hits including five dingers.

Canada shutout Brazil 7-0 in the Bronze Medal Game behind a strong pitching performance from starter Adam Debray who tossed a two-hitter in six innings of work. Relievers Benoit Endes and Damien Dubin collected the final nine outs allowing just one hit.

Third bagger Cody McKay, who won the tournament batting title with a .667 (16-for-24) batting average, was 4-for-5 while teammate Marty Chubb added three hits for the Canadians.

Final Standings:

1 – Cuba (6-0)
2 – Nicaragua (5-2)
3 – Canada (4-3)
4 – Brazil (2-5)
5 – Aruba (1-3)
6 – Bahamas (0-5)

(Courtesy of International Baseball and Softball Statistics)

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