Congratulation to team USA for winning the World Chamionship for a third time. It is their first title since 1974. They also ended the Cuban streak of nine consecutives victories of the Cup. The Americans won by a score of 6-3.
Team USA started strong and simply used their offensive power to outslug the Cubans. They opened the scoring in the second frame with three runs. They added two more in the next two for a fast 5-0 lead and the game was over. Although Cuba could score two runs in the fifth to cut the deficit, the victory for the minor league squad was never really in danger.
Jayson NIX (2 RBI) hit a solo-homerun in the fourth. Justin RUGGIANO had three hits, Andy LAROCHE, Evan LONGORIA and Jason JAMARILLO (2 RBI) each had two.
Alfredo DESPAIGNE got two RBI on one hit. Alex MAYETA had the other RBI for the Carribeans.
Starter Brian DUENSING allowed one run on two hits in 4 2/3 innings. Steven SHELL received the win. Jeff STEVENS closed out the game for the save. The American hurlers showed no fear and attacked the strike zone. They did not give up a single base on balls in the whole game.
Yadel MARTI (L 1-1) never found his rythm and was hit hard. He gave up three runs on four hits and a walk in just 1 1/3 innings.
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