August 9, 2010

Team USA takes silver medal

Alfredo Despaigne hit a pair of home runs, including a three-run game-winner in the bottom of the 10th, as Cuba nipped the United States 4-3 in the title game of the V FISU World University Baseball Championships at Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.

Drew Maggi (right) of Arizona State went deep in the top of the eighth to give Team USA (16-3) a 1-0 lead. Despaigne homered in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings.

According to the tie-break rule for the International Baseball Federation, each extra frame starts with runners on first and second with no outs.

George Springer of Connecticut and Nick Ramirez of Cal State Fullerton both had RBI singles in the top of the 10th as the Americans took a 3-1 lead.

Despaigne homered with one out and runners on the corners in the bottom of the 10th to give Cuba the win.

Gerrit Cole of UCLA pitched seven scoreless innings with 10 hits, one walk and two strikeouts. Noe Ramirez of Cal State Fullerton allowed two hits and one run in one innings with one walk and one strikeout. Nick Ramirez (0-1) took the loss with 1.1 innings of work.

Four Team USA players were honored at the conclusion of the WUBC. Maggi was named best defensive player. Ryan Wright of Louisville was selected as the top designated hitter. Mikie Mahtook of LSU led the tournament with four stolen bases. Matt Barnes of Connecticut recorded the lowest ERA at 0.00.

(photo courtesy of ASU Media Relations Office)