Cuba gave the Canadians with their first loss of the U-18 Pan American Championship over a 3-0 shutout, locking in the Canadians for the second place of Group A. The game was characterized by strong pitching and defense from both sides, with a single inning proving to be the difference.
Canada's starter, Jacob Wallace (Pincourt, QC) matched Cuba's left-hander through a scoreless first inning, setting the stage for what looked to be a pitchers' duel. However, an error and a pair of singles in the bottom of the second inning proved decisive for Cuba. Brian Kevin Garzon Cruz delivered the big blow of the game with a two-run single to cap the 3-run inning for Team Cuba.
From that point on, Canada's pitching and defense locked down. Wallace regained his composure on the mound, holding Cuba scoreless through the next three frames of the ballgame. The right-hander permitted three runs on four hits and a walk, while striking out four over his five innings of work.
While Canada's offense struggled to break through against Cuba's pitching, Canada's hitters battled throughout the game, working counts and putting the ball in play. Anthony Claver (Quebec City, QC) and Leo Cote (Ayer’s Cliff, QC) picked up the only two hits for the Canadians as they both finish their day 1-for-3 at the plate.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, Canada’s 4-1 record will clinch the second place in Group A, locking a spot in the quarter finals of the U-18 Pan American Championship. Before moving into the next round, the Canadians will have to take on El Salvador on August 8th at the Estadio Rod Carew in their last game of the group phase.
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