Canada took a 5-3 lead in the top of the sixth on a two-run home run by Nick Weglarz, which chased Cuban starter Adiel Palma. Cuba responded with four runs in the bottom of the sixth, on two-run home runs by Alexander Malleta and Alfredo Despaigne. Canada got one back in the eighth when Weglarz came in when Brett Lawrie hit into a fielder’s choice, but they went three up, three down in the ninth to end the game.
Canada missed an excellent chance to take the early lead in the second. Scott Thorman opened the inning with a single, went to second on a wild pitch, and to third on a single by Weglarz. The next batter, Jimmy Van Ostrand, hit a ground ball, and Thorman got caught between third and home. Weglarz and Van Ostrand moved to second and third on another wild pitch by Palma, and Canada had runners at second and third with one out. However, Matt Rogelstad (Arkansas State) struck out, and Chris Robinson (Illinois) was out on a dangerous ground ball to end the inning.
Starter Brooks McNiven (British Columbia) lasted only two innings. He gave up three runs (one of them unearned) in the second, and the Cubans were generally hitting the ball hard against him. Canada used four pitchers the rest of the way, Jonathan Lockwood (Louisiana Tech), Chris Reistma, Robert Swindle (Charleston Southern), and Steve Green (Fort Scout CC).
Weglarz hit another home run in the fourth, and finished the game 4-4.
Canada’s next game is against Korea, at 6 AM EDT on Friday.
