Aug. 13, 2003
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Cuba won its ninth straight Pan American Games gold medal Tuesday night, beating the United States 3-1 behind three hits from Ariel Pestano and the two-hit pitching of Norge Luis Vera on two days' rest.
"In Cuba we play with heart and passion," Pestano said. "This is our gift to the Cuban people for all their support and inspiration they've given us since we've been here. Viva Cuba!"
Cuba also beat the Americans in the 1999 Pan Ams in Winnipeg, 5-1.
Coach Higinio Velez dedicated the win to Cuban president Fidel Castro as an early birthday present. He turns 77 on Wednesday.
U.S. and University of Texas reliever Huston Street held his hat in his teeth as the dejected Americans draped their arms over the dugout railing and watched in disbelief while the Cubans celebrated wildly on the mound.
Jered Weaver (4-1), the younger brother of New York Yankees pitcher Jeff Weaver, took his first loss of the summer and had his streak of scoreless innings end at 45 2-3. He allowed eight hits and struck out seven in eight innings.
"We can't do much about what happened," Weaver said. "I felt great. I threw good pitches.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to wear USA across your chest."
Yulieski Gourriel's RBI single in the sixth that tied the game also broke Weaver's impressive scoreless innings streak. Then the Cubans, who are professional players, tagged the tiring Weaver for three straight singles in the seventh. Pestano came to the plate with runners on the corners and no outs and drove a fastball to shallow center field.
The American collegians finished their sensational summer with a 27-2 record, the winningest season ever by the U.S. baseball team. Their other loss was 3-0 against Nicaragua here last Tuesday.
Cuban fans stood on their seats dancing to festive music played by an eight-piece band next to Cuba's dugout. Even the games' official mascot, Tito, joined in the fiesta, shaking his giant green manatee costume to the music as he mingled in the crowd.
"It's a great atmosphere for baseball," U.S. coach Ray Tanner said. "This is what it's all about. Much like the U.S., they have a tremendous passion for baseball. And they've been very successful."
Four Cuban flags were draped over the dugout, and many smaller ones were waved by fans, who chanted "Cu-ba! Cu-ba!" Two men held cardboard signs reading "Cuba Campeon" -- Cuba champion.
"Their whole delegation is probably here," U.S. left fielder Danny Putnam said.
Vera, who went eight innings in Cuba's 10-0 quarterfinal win Saturday over the Dominicans, struck out nine and walked three.
Mexico defeated Nicaragua 6-2 for bronze. The Mexicans lost in the semifinals to the United States 3-2 in 14 innings.
The Americans were perfect in the pool, sweeping all five finals. In all, the United States has 79 golds, 56 silvers and 51 bronzes for 186 medals. Cuba is next at 117: 56-30-31.