2015 Pan American Games

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2015 Pan American Games logo.jpg

The 2015 Pan American Games were held in Toronto, ON, starting on July 10th. They were the first Pan American Games to feature women's baseball as a medal event in addition to men's baseball. The men's field was composed of the two finalists from the 2011 Pan American Games (Flag of Canada Canada and Flag of United States United States), the top four teams from the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games (Flag of Cuba Cuba, Flag of Nicaragua Nicaragua, Flag of Dominican Republic Dominican Republic and Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico) and Flag of Colombia Colombia (champion of the 2015 South American Championship). The women's field consisted of host Flag of Canada Canada and the top four teams from the qualifying tournament: Flag of United States United States, Flag of Venezuela Venezuela, Flag of Cuba Cuba and Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico.

In the men's field, Canada became the second team to win the Gold Medal at multiple Pan American Games, let alone consecutive ones (only Cuba had done so before). The US won the inaugural women's title. Both Gold Medal games featured the US vs. Canada.

Prominent players to appear were former major leaguers Jeff Francis (Canada), Vicente Padilla (Nicaragua) and Casey Kotchman (USA) while heading to MLB stardom were Canada's Tyler O'Neill, Cuba's Adolis García and the US's Josh Hader. Other big names were four-time Cuban MVP Alfredo Despaigne and Kelsie Whitmore and Stacy Piagno, two of the first women to play in the independent leagues.

See 2015 Pan American Games (Rosters) as well

Schedule - Men[edit]

July 11[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Cuba Cuba 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 0 5 10 12 0
Flag of Colombia Colombia 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 6 0
Win: Lázaro Blanco (1-0) Loss: Javier Ortiz (0-1)

Colombia returned to the Pan American Games for the first time since 1983 and played competitively for eight innings before fading. In the top of the second, RF José Adolis García opened the scoring with a two-run homer off Javier Ortiz, scoring 2B Raúl González. In the bottom of the first, though, Colombian 1B Héctor Acuña homered off Ismel Jiménez to cut it to 2-1.

In the top of the 4th, Ortiz plunked 3B Rudy Reyes and González reached, then both were later driven in by CF Roel Santos. In the bottom of the fifth, 2B Ismael Castro singled off Jiménez then 3B Carlos Willoughby doubled. C Jayson De Aguas drove in Castro, then SS Charlie Mirabal singled in Willoughby to cut it to 4-3. Lázaro Blanco relieved Jiménez and shut out Colombia the remainder of the way, holding them hitless and fanning six in 4 2/3 IP.

Santos added some insurance in the 6th with a solo home run off reliever Yesid Salazar. Then in the 9th, Cuba opened the floodgates. DH Frederich Cepeda walked, LF Alfredo Despaigne was hit, 1B Alexander Malleta doubled in Cepeda, Reyes singled home Despaigne and González walloped a three-run jack for the final 10-3 score to cap a five-run frame.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 R H E
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 1 0 0 1 3 3 1 0 0 1 10 13 3
Flag of United States United States 0 5 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 9 13 0
Win: Tomás Santiago (1-0) Loss: Paul Sewald (0-1)

The US was upset in a slugfest that showed Puerto Rican baseball was still alive and well despite frequently voiced concerns of its decline. Puerto Rican batters went deep five times, as Zach Eflin (5 R in 4 2/3 IP), Scott McGregor (3 R in 1 1/3 IP) and Brian Ellington (1 R in 1 IP) were lit up before David Huff tossed two shutout innings. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico starter Andrés Santiago was roughed up for five runs in two innings and his relievers gave up four runs in the next 5 1/3 before another Santiago, Tomás Santiago, came in and blanked the US for the final 2 2/3. In the 10th, Puerto Rico scored once off Paul Sewald and Santiago benefited from a game-ending double play to lock up the win.

Among the game's offensive stars were CF Travis Jankowski (4 for 6, 2 R, RBI), 2B/1B Jacob Wilson (3 for 6, 2 R, 2 RBI), RF Brian Bogusevic (4 RBI, runner thrown out at home) and 3B Tyler Pastornicky (3 H) for the US and 2B Dickie Joe Thon (3 for 5, 3 R, RBI), 3B Jeffrey Domínguez (2 for 5, BB, 2 R, 2 RBI) and RF Anthony García (2 for 5, 2 R, 3 RBI) for Puerto Rico.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Dominican Republic Dominican Republic 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 7 0
Flag of Canada Canada 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 2 7 9 0
Win: Chris Leroux (1-0) Loss: Claudio Vargas (0-1) Save: Jeff Francis (1)

Canada started their title defense with a strong win, as Chris Leroux turned in a strong pitching outing (6 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 8 K, 0 R) against the Dominicans. Canada got going in the first when 3B Pete Orr tripled off Claudio Vargas and DH Tim Smith hit a sacrifice fly. Vargas settled down after that, blanking Canada through the 5th. With two outs in the 6th, Orr drew a walk from Vargas, who had allowed only one hit (the game-opener by Orr). He was still yanked in favor of Pedro de los Santos. Smith greeted de los Santos with a single then 1B Jordan Lennerton smacked a three-run homer to right.

The Dominican Republic got their only run in the 7th when Andrew Albers relieved Leroux and allowed a solo homer to 3B Pedro Feliz. Albers got the next six in order, though, and Jeff Francis went 1-2-3 in the 9th, with the two relievers combining for five whiffs to give the Canadian staff 13 all together.

July 12[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Nicaragua Nicaragua 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 5 8 1
Flag of Dominican Republic Dominican Republic 0 1 3 0 0 0 4 0 X 8 9 1
Win: Willy Lebrón (1-0) Loss: Vicente Padilla (0-1) Save: Luis Liria (1)

Former All-Star Vicente Padilla made his return to the Nicaraguan national team, having last played for them in 1998, but did not look particularly sharp, giving up 8 runs and 8 hits in 6 2/3 IP in a loss; he did lead 5-4 going into the 7th before fading farther. SS/3B Ronny Rodríguez (2 for 4, 2 R, RBI), 2B/LF Jonathan Gálvez (HR) and CF Yeixon Ruíz (2 for 3, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR) led the Dominican hitters. For the Nicaraguan squad, 2B Ronald Garth (3 for 4, 2 R, RBI, HR), 1B Sandor Guido (2 for 4, R, 2 RBI) and CF Dwight Britton (HR) contributed on offense.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Colombia Colombia 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 3 6 0
Flag of Canada Canada 0 3 0 0 2 2 2 1 X 10 13 0
Win: Jared Mortensen (1-0) Loss: Randy Consuegra (0-1)

The hosts kept on rolling, as CF Tyson Gillies (4 RBI, including a 3-run homer) led a balanced offense that saw nine different Canadians score. LF Tyler O'Neill hit a two-run dinger, PH Brock Kjeldgaard went deep as well and SS Sean Jamieson and RF Rene Tosoni each scored two to back pitcher Jared Mortensen. LF Tito Polo hit a solo shot and CF Steve Brown a two-run homer for all the Colombian offense.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Cuba Cuba 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1
Flag of United States United States 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 X 5 11 0
Win: Nate Smith (1-0) Loss: Freddy Asiel Álvarez (0-1) Save: Josh Hader (1)

In a match-up of old rivals, the USA evened their record at 1-1 by topping Cuba, which fell to 1-1. The US jumped on Cuban starter Freddy Asiel Álvarez as CF Travis Jankowski led off with an infield hit and SS Andy Parrino cracked a two-run homer. Cuba tied it in the second off Nate Smith. RF Urmaris Guerra drew a one-out walk and 1B Alexander Malleta and C Yulexis La Rosa walked with two outs. 2B Raúl González grounded one through the left side to score two to tie it. It would be Cuba's only hit of the game, though, and Smith also settled down to walk no one else before leaving after six.

In the bottom of the 6th, 2B Jacob Wilson doubled and 1B Casey Kotchman was walked intentionally. 3B Tyler Pastornicky battled Álvarez in a nine-pitch at-bat before doubling in both runners with the game-winning blow. Liván Moinelo relieved but it was too late. Casey Coleman pitched shutout relief in the 7th and 8th, allowing only one walk, then the US got insurance in the bottom of the 8th when RF Brian Bogusevic reached on a Malleta error and then Wilson and Kotchman both singled to make it 5-2. Josh Hader struck out the heart of the Cuban order in the 9th - DH Frederich Cepeda, LF Alfredo Despaigne and Guerra.

July 13[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 0
Flag of Cuba Cuba 0 2 2 1 0 0 3 0 X 8 10 0
Win: Yosvany Torres (1-0) Loss: Luis Cintrón (0-1)

After stunning the US, Puerto Rico has a quick downfall with a 8-1 loss to Cuba, as Yosvany Torres and Yunier Cano combine on a fine pitching effort. Puerto Rico's Luis Cintrón, on the other hand, gives up 7 hits and 4 runs in 2 2/3 IP. RF Urmaris Guerra, a late replacement for defector Yadiel Hernández, is the hitting star, with a triple, homer, two runs and three RBI. In a losing cause, 2B Dickie Joe Thon goes 3 for 5 with the only run.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of United States United States 0 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 5 8 0
Flag of Colombia Colombia 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 7 1
Win: Aaron Blair (1-0) Loss: Nabil Crismatt (0-1) Save: Jake Barrett (1)

The US rallied to beat Colombia and keep Colombia winless. In the bottom of the second, with 1B Héctor Acuña aboard, SS Ronald Luna smacked a two-run home run off Aaron Blair. Nabil Crismatt, meanwhile, contained the USA for three innings before a solo shot by 2B Jacob Wilson in the top of the 4th. In the top of the 6th, RF Brian Bogusevic and Wilson reached against Crismatt. Dumas García relieved and surrendered a three-run shot to dead center by 1B Casey Kotchman. The US got some insurance the next inning when CF Travis Jankowski homered off García. Colombia had a chance in the bottom of the 8th, loading the bases against Buddy Baumann. Backup 1B Ismael Castro drove in 2B Carlos Willoughby but Jake Barrett got a strikeout to end the inning then got the save with a scoreless ninth.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Canada Canada 0 0 0 2 4 2 1 0 0 9 12 0
Flag of Nicaragua Nicaragua 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 1
Win: Phillippe Aumont (1-0) Loss: Elvin García (0-1)

The only team to go the first two games unbeaten, Canada kept on rolling with a romp of Nicaragua. Phillippe Aumont (8 K, 3 H, 0 R in 5 IP) turned in a strong start and Shane Dawson, Kyle Lotzkar and Brock Dykxhoorn each tossing one shutout inning before Scott Richmond gave up a run in the 9th (1B Sandor Guido driving in RF Justo Rivas). Canada, meanwhile, was roughing up Nicaragua for 12 hits, 10 walks and 9 runs. 3B Pete Orr (3 for 4, 3B, 3 RBI), RF Rene Tosoni (4 for 6, 2 R, RBI), CF Tyson Gillies (3 R), 2B Skyler Stromsmoe (2 for 4, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR), 1B Jordan Lennerton (5 BB) and SS Sean Jamieson (3 BB) all contributed to the offensive fireworks.

July 14[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Nicaragua Nicaragua 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 1 7 10 1
Flag of Colombia Colombia 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 4 8 1
Win: Berman Espinoza (1-0) Loss: Cristián Mendoza (0-1) Save: Douglas Solís (1)

The two winless teams squared off in the opening game today. Karl Triana turned in a strong start for Colombia, allowing two runs in seven, and leaving with a 4-2 lead. RF Harold Ramírez had scored twice and 1B Ismael Castro had driven in two. In the 8th, though, Triana was yanked and relievers Randy Consuegra and Cristián Mendoza proved easier to solve for the Nicaraguan hitters, who produced four runs in that frame and one more in the 9th. LF Douglas Morales (3 for 5, R), RF Justo Rivas (2 for 4, R, 2 RBI) and 3B Ofilio Castro (1 for 3, 2 BB, 2 R) led the Nicaraguan offense.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 2 1 0 0 0 4 3 2 0 12 12 1
Flag of Dominican Republic Dominican Republic 1 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 6 9 2
Win: Miguel Martínez (1-0) Loss: Miguel Fermin (0-1)

The Dominicans burst out to a 6-3 lead after four in a matchup of teams from baseball-loving island countries as Luis González gave up 8 hits and 6 runs (4 earned) in 3 1/3 IP. C Mario Mercedes had two runs and three RBI for the Dominicans. Miguel Martínez relieved, though, and allowed only one one hit, one walk and no runs in 4 2/3 innings. Raúl Rivera then tossed a scoreless ninth.

Puerto Rico pecked away at the Dominican hurlers as all five pitchers they tried allowed at least one run per inning; Kelvin Pérez tossed a scoreless 4th and 5th but gave up 3 runs before leaving in the 6th. SS/2B Dickie Joe Thon went 3 for 3 with a walk, three runs and two RBI while RF Anthony García drove in four.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Canada Canada 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 4 0
Flag of Cuba Cuba 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 0
Win: Shawn Hill (1-0) Loss: Yoanni Yera (0-1) Save: Jeff Francis (2)

Canada kept up its winning ways with a fine pitching duel and a big home run. Shawn Hill fanned no one but got lots of ground ball outs in allowing three hits, one walk and no runs in six innings for the win. Yoanni Yera matched Hill through five, having allowed only one hit to that point. In the 6th, though, 2B Skyler Stromsmoe singled and SS Sean Jamieson got plunked. Yera retired 3B Pete Orr but LF Tyler O'Neill delivered a three-run dinger to center for the winning hit. In the bottom of the 7th, LF Alfredo Despaigne greeted Andrew Albers with a home run in a deja vu for Albers given his game 1 performance. Just like game 1, though, he settled down to pitch two scoreless frames thereafter. Jeff Francis came on for the 9th and retired Cuba's 3-4-5 hitters - DH Urmaris Guerra, Despaigne and 1B Alexander Malleta - for his second save.

July 15[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of United States United States 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 6 11 0
Flag of Nicaragua Nicaragua 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
Win: Jake Thompson (1-0) Loss: Gustavo Martínez (0-1)

Jake Thompson turned in a historic Team USA performance, fanning ten and allowing one hit (to LF Douglas Morales) and no walks in seven innings. Thompson tied John Dettmer's US Pan American Games record for whiffs (set in 1991) and Jered Weaver's record for fewest hits (2003). Brian Ellington (1 K, 1 H to 3B Darrel Campbell), Buddy Baumann (1 K, 1 other out) and Paul Sewald (2 K in 1 IP) finished off the two-hit, no-walk gem. C Tommy Murphy (two-run triple) and 3B Tyler Pastornicky (2 R, 2 BB) led the US offense.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Colombia Colombia 3 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 7 9 0
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 2 8 7 1
Win: José Ayala (1-0) Loss: Cristián Mendoza (0-2)

Colombia came tantalizingly close to its first win only to fall late. They led 7-1 after six innings, as Puerto Rican starter Tomás Santiago struggled (7 H, 5 R in 2 1/3 IP) and Juan Corpas was doing well. Corpas faded in the 7th and came out (he finished with 3 hits and 3 runs in 6 2/3 IP, but walked six). RF Anthony García, the reigning Puerto Rican League MVP, hit a grand slam off Ronald Ramírez to cut it to 7-6. José Ayala, in the meantime, was providing superb relief (0 H, 0 BB, 0 R in 3 IP) for Puerto Rico. Colombia still held the 7-6 lead going into the bottom of the 9th but García again came through, with a two-run game-ending homer off Cristián Mendoza, to cap a 3-for-4, BB, 2 HR, 6 RBI day.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Dominican Republic Dominican Republic 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 5 10 2
Flag of Cuba Cuba 5 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 X 9 11 1
Win: Lázaro Blanco (2-0) Loss: Adalberto Méndez (0-1)

Dominican starter Adalberto Méndez had a rough outing, giving up three hits (two doubles), two walks, a wild pitch and two balks in 2/3 of an inning, charged with five unearned runs. Eight of Cuba's nine runs were unearned, thanks to errors by C Mayo Acosta and LF Rubén Sosa. Sosa did have the best Dominican day at the plate (3 for 4, BB, R, RBI) while 3B Rudy Reyes led Cuba's offense (3 for 4, BB, 2 R, 2 RBI). Lázaro Blanco fanned seven and held the Dominicans to two runs in five innings to become the first two-game winner of these Games.

July 16[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Dominican Republic Dominican Republic 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 2 6 10 0
Flag of United States United States 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 4 10 1
Win: Claudio Vargas (1-1) Loss: David Huff (0-1) Save: Luis Liria (2)

The Dominican Republic got a crucial win to keep their semifinal hopes alive while denying the US a chance to clinch a spot. LF Patrick Kivlehan opened the game's scoring with a RBI double off Claudio Vargas in the second, but Dominican LF Víctor Méndez tied it with a solo shot off Zach Eflin in the 4th; it was the only run Eflin allowed in five innings of work. In the bottom of the fifth, the US retook the lead when SS Jeff Bianchi doubled home Kivlehan.

The Dominicans came back in the 6th, though, against David Huff. DH Rubén Sosa homered and 1B Jordy Lara hit a two-run homer for a 4-2 lead. 2B Andy Parrino took Roberto Novoa deep in the 8th to make it a one-run contest again. In the top of the 9th, though, the Dominican Republic added insurance against Josh Hader. Lara drove in RF Aneury Tavárez (the third RBI for Lara) and C Mayo Acosta drove home Lara for a 6-3 lead.

The US wasn't done yet. C Tommy Murphy and Kivlehan singled (Kivlehan finished 3 for 3 with a walk). Novoa was then yanked in favor of closer Luis Liria. Liria fanned DH Mac Williamson and Bianchi hit into a fielder's choice. CF Travis Jankowski kept the US alive by singling in Murphy and put the tying run aboard. That brought up Parrino, who had homered the prior inning and represented the go-ahead run. It was not to be as his hard liner up the middle hit Liria, who threw to first for the game-ending out.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Cuba Cuba 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 5 1 11 16 0
Flag of Nicaragua Nicaragua 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 6 7 1
Win: Liván Moinelo (1-0) Loss: Gerardo Juárez (0-1)

Nicaragua got on the board first in a homer-fest, as LF Douglas Morales singled off Freddy Asiel Álvarez and SS Ofilio Castro homered. In the third, 1B Sandor Guido added a solo homer to center for a 3-0 lead. Cuba came back in the 4th with a solo homer by LF Alfredo Despaigne off Jorge Bucardo, a hit by 1B Alexander Malleta and a game-tying dinger by RF Urmari Guerra.

In the bottom of the 4th, RF Ramón Flores drew a walk from Yander Guevara. Guido then delivered his second home run of the day. C Janior Montes also went deep, knocking out Álvarez in favor of Yander Guevara and putting Nicaragua up 6-3. Liván Moinelo relieved and would contain Nicaragua for the next 4 2/3 IP (0 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 3 K). Yennier Cano would work a perfect 9th.

Meanwhile, Cuba continued to come back. In the 6th, Vicente Padilla walked Malleta and Guerra. With one out, SS Yorbis Borroto singled to load the bases. 2B Raúl González hit into a two-run error by his counterpart, Ronald Garth, to cut the deficit to one run, 6-5. In the 8th, Cuban C Yosvani Alarcón singled off Gerardo Juárez and Borroto went deep for the game-winning hit. CF José Adolis García homered as well for a 8-6 lead. José Luis Sáenz relieved and allowed a two-out hit to Reyes (who finished 4 for 6). Despaigne hit Cuba's 5th home run of the day and it was 10-6. After a hit by DH Frederich Cepeda, Malleta got his third hit, off the 5th Nicaraguan hurler (Douglas Solís), presumably scoring Cepeda (the play-by-play at Granma.cu does not indicate how Cepeda scored the final run). Junior Téllez became the 6th Nicaraguan pitcher (of 7 today) and fourth of the inning and Guerra (who had opened the inning with a strikeout) walked before Alarcón (who had opened the inning) before finally ended it.

Cuba advanced to the semifinals with the win.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Canada Canada 2 0 3 0 3 1 1 2 0 11 15 0
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 6 7 1
Win: Chris Leroux (2-0) Loss: Luis Ramos (0-1)

Canada, having already clinched a semifinals spot, had another explosive offensive day. LF Tyler O'Neill (3 R, HR), 1B Jordan Lennerton (3 R), CF Tyson Gillies (3 H, HR) and DH Brock Kjeldgaard (4 for 4, 2 R, 4 RBI, HR) all had strong efforts. For Puerto Rico, 3B Jeffrey Domínguez (3 for 4, 2 R) homered off Chris Leroux in the fourth and RF Anthony García added a three-run blast off Kyle Lotzkar in the 8th.

July 17[edit]

Three baseball players were banned from play due to positive tests for banned substances - Colombian pitcher Javier Ortiz, Dominican catcher Mario Mercedes and Puerto Rican first baseman Nelson Gómez.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Flag of Nicaragua Nicaragua 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 6 4
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 5 7 2
Win: Benny Cepeda (1-0) Loss: Samuel Estrada (0-1) Save: José Ayala (1)

Puerto Rico, bound for the semifinals, came back to beat Nicaragua behind yet another strong game from 2B Dickie Joe Thon (2 for 4, R, 3 RBI). Benny Cepeda allowed three runs in six and José Ayala notched the save. The game was cut short due to rain.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Colombia Colombia 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 2
Flag of Dominican Republic Dominican Republic 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 7 0
Win: Kelvin Pérez (1-0) Loss: Randy Consuegra (0-2) Save: Luis Liria (3)

The Dominicans kept their hopes alive with today's win; their chances of advance now rested on a US loss in the last game of the first round. RF Harold Ramírez started the scoring with a solo homer off Kelvin Pérez in the first; he would go 2 for 2 with two walks to lead Colombia's offense. It was the Dominican Republic the rest of the way, though, as their pitchers shut down Colombia. RF Aneury Tavárez (2 for 4, R, 2 RBI) and LF Víctor Méndez (2 for 4, R, RBI) pace the offense.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of United States United States 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 7 0
Flag of Canada Canada 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 2
Win: Nate Smith (2-0) Loss: Jared Mortensen (1-1) Save: Paul Sewald (1)

Canada takes their lone loss of the tournament. 2B Skyler Stromsmoe's double off Nate Smith scores LF Rene Tosoni in the second but that's all Smith would allow in 5 2/3 IP despite 7 hits (he walked none and fanned 10 to tie the US Pan Am strikeout record tied earlier this year by roommate Jake Thompson). Six US relievers worked the final 3 1/3 IP, with Paul Sewald becoming the third American to save a game in the tournament.

The US came back quickly against Jared Mortensen, the only Canadian starting pitcher with no MLB experience. LF Albert Almora, CF Travis Jankowski and SS Andy Parrino hit three straight singles in the third to tie it. Mortensen walked RF Brian Bogusevic then 3B Tyler Pastornicky hit a two-run single. DH Patrick Kivlehan doubled home 2B Jacob Wilson with insurance in the 4th. Shane Dawson relieved Mortensen and did a great job in relief (2 H, 0 BB, 3 K, 0 R in 5 1/3 IP) but Canada's offense did not revive.

July 18[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Cuba Cuba 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 5 10 1
Flag of United States United States 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 1 6 10 0
Win: David Huff (1-1) Loss: Yoannis Yera (0-2)

The US and Cuba met in an exciting semifinal match. Cuba started off strong against US starter Aaron Blair. In the second, DH Frederich Cepeda homered with one out. 1B Alexander Malleta walked then scored on a two-out double by C Yosvani Alarcón. The US closed the gap to one in the third when DH Patrick Kivlehan homered off Yosvany Torres. Cepeda drew a one-out walk in the 4th, then Malleta singled him to third. RF Urmaris Guerra was plunked to load the bases. Alarcón again delivered, singling in Cepeda to make it 3-1. SS Yorbis Borroto ended the rally, though, hitting into a 5-4-3 double play.

2B Raúl González took Blair yard in the 5th for a 4-1 lead. In the sixth, Malleta and Guerra singled to put runners on the corners, chasing Blair after 8 hits in five innings; Malleta would later come around to score to charge Blair with a sixth run. Brian Ellington (1 IP) and Scott McGregor (2 IP) contained Cuba the rest of the 6th, 7th and 8th.

Things fell apart for Cuba in the 7th. RF Brian Bogusevic singled and Torres hit C Tommy Murphy. Though Torres had only been charged with one run so far, he was removed in favor of former Serie Nacional MVP Ismel Jiménez. Kivlehan fanned, but LF Albert Almora drew a walk to load the bases. Liván Moinelo relieved and gave up a two-run double to CF Travis Jankowski, Almora thrown out at third on the play. Moinelo walked SS Andy Parrino, though. Yennier Cano entered to pitch and surrendered a two-run double to 3B Tyler Pastornicky to tie the game at five. Yoannis Yera was summoned as the fifth Cuban hurler of the inning and retired 1B Casey Kotchman on a grounder.

In the top of the 9th, Cuba started off well as Borroto drew a walk from Paul Sewald and CF José Adolis García singled. With one out, 3B Rudy Reyes singled to load the bags. That bought up LF Alfredo Despaigne, the only four-time Cuban Serie Nacional MVP (and defending MVP). Sewald struck him out in the clutch. David Huff relieved to face Cepeda, who had opened the scoring today, and retired him on a fly to center.

In the bottom of the ninth, Yera got two quick outs, having retired all six batters he had to that point. Jankowski singled on a full count, though, and stole second. Parrino then delivered a single to right to score the winning run.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 3
Flag of Canada Canada 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 X 7 7 0
Win: Phillippe Aumont (2-0) Loss: Miguel Martínez (1-1)

Canada rebounded from their loss to punch their second straight ticket to the finals, routing Puerto Rico. 1B Jordan Lennerton hit a two-run homer in the first off Miguel Martínez (who would allow six runs, two earned, in three innings), 3B Pete Orr singled in two in the second and DH Brock Kjeldgaard launched a two-run shot in the third. In the 4th, CF Tyson Gillies took Luis González deep, the only run González gave up in five innings of relief (he fanned eight).

Phillippe Aumont retired the first 12 Puerto Rican hitters and dazzled with a 8-K, 3-hit, one-walk masterpiece in eight shutout innings. The only run Canada allowed came in the 9th off reliever Brock Dykxhoorn when 1B Roberto Peña drove in 3B Jeffrey Domínguez.

July 19[edit]

  • Bronze Medal Game
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 6 6 0
Flag of Cuba Cuba 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 7 9 2
Win: Yunier Cano (1-0) Loss: Raúl Rivera (0-1)

Puerto Rico came tantalizingly close to their first Medal in 20 years in the Pan Ams, only to blow a lead in the bottom of the 9th. Cuba won their second Bronze in a row and avoided falling short of a Medal for the first time since 1959.

Cuba got on the board early against Andrés Santiago. CF José Adolis García walked and 2B Raúl González singled. 3B Rudy Reyes hit into a 1-6-3 double play, but García moved to third. LF Alfredo Despaigne then hit a RBI double. In the bottom of the second, C Yosvani Alarcón hit a two-out homer to make it 2-0. In the third, González walked and advanced on grounders by Reyes and Despaigne, then scored on a wild pitch.

Lázaro Blanco shut out Puerto Rico for three but had trouble in the 4th. With one out, CF Aldo Méndez and 3B Jeffrey Domínguez got hits then RF Anthony García drew a walk. LF Edgardo Báez crushed a grand slam to put the Puerto Ricans up, 4-3. Erlis Casanova relieved Blanco.

In the top of the fifth, SS Gabriel Robles walked, then 2B Dickie Joe Thon hit into a force at second. Méndez grounded Thon over and Domínguez homered for a 6-3 lead. Ismel Jiménez relieved Casanova and was perfect for the next 2 1/3 innings. Yunier Cano entered in the 8th and allowed two hits and one walk but no runs over that frame and the ninth.

In the bottom of the 8th, Cuba had a chance with two on and one out but PH William Saavedra hit into a double play against Raúl Rivera to end the threat. In the bottom of the 9th, Cuba had their backs to their wall, trying to avoid their worst Pan Am finish in 56 years, worst of the Castro era. RF Urmaris Guerra opened with a single, then Alarcón singled as well. That brought up the #9 hitter, SS Yorbis Borroto. Borroto socked a Rivera offering for a game-tying three-run homer. García delivered a home run as well and Cuba had a crucial comeback win.

  • Gold Medal Game
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 R H E
Flag of United States United States 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 6 11 4
Flag of Canada Canada 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 7 8 0
Win: Chris Leroux (3-0) Loss: David Huff (1-2)

Like the Bronze Medal game, the Gold Medal game was a 7-6 affair that went down to the final play. The US got ahead early when DH Patrick Kivlehan hit a two-run homer off Jeff Francis in the second. In the third, 2B Jacob Wilson's sacrifice fly scored LF Albert Almora to make it 3-0. Canada came back in the bottom of the frame when RF Rene Tosoni hit a three-run homer off Josh Hader to score SS Sean Jamieson and 3B Pete Orr.

Canada took their first lead in the 5th, when Orr singled off Buddy Baumann, stole second, took third on a throwing error by C Tommy Murphy and scored on a fly from 1B Jordan Lennerton. The US tied it back up in the 7th when Almora singled just past Jamieson to score Kivlehan. Canada had men on the corners with one out in the bottom of the 7th but Baumann whiffed Tosoni and Casey Coleman retired PH Tim Smith. Andrew Albers relieved Francis in the 8th and worked 2 1/3 innings.

In the top of the 10th, with the IBAF Extra Innings rule in effect, 3B Tyler Pastornicky doubled in two runs off Chris Leroux (who would go on to record his third win, the only pitcher to win so many in the tournament). In the bottom of the 10th, Jamieson struck out when he bunted foul with two strikes against him, facing Jake Barrett. David Huff relieved Barrett and Orr greeted him with a single to plate CF Tyson Gillies. The game then ended on a wild play. Huff tried to pick off Orr, but the throw sailed into right field for the USA's third error, scoring 2B Skyler Stromsmoe. RF Brian Bogusevic then threw wildly for the US's fourth error of the game and second on the play, Orr racing home from first base with the winning run.

Canada became the second host country to win a baseball Gold in the Pan Ams, following Cuba in 1991. The team would be inducted en masse to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017.

Schedule - Women[edit]

July 20[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Flag of Venezuela Venezuela 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 6 10 5
Flag of United States United States 2 0 7 1 0 0 X 10 10 2
Win: Sarah Hudek (1-0) Loss: Kerlys Pérez (0-1)

Women's baseball made its Pan American Games debut. The US scored quickly off Kerlys Pérez, as 1B Malaika Underwood drove in SS Jade Gortarez as the second batter in the bottom of the first. Gortarez would finish 1 for 1 with 3 walks, a run and a RBI, while 3B Michelle Snyder drove in three and doubled for the US. Sarah Hudek allowed 3 runs (2 earned) and fanned five in five innings. For Venezuela, DH Astrid Rodríguez goes 3 for 4 with two runs and three RBI.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Flag of Canada Canada 0 0 1 1 0 8 3 13 11 3
Flag of Cuba Cuba 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 4
Win: Vanessa Riopel (1-0) Loss: Yanet Cruz (0-1)

The Canadian women, trying to emulate the men's success, started off on a superb foot. Vanessa Riopel (2 H, 2 BB, 0 R in 5 IP) and Heidi Northcott (0 H , 1 BB, 1 UER in 2 IP) combined on a two-hitter, with only CF Yurismary Báez and 3B Jessica Herrera connecting safely. For Canada's explosive offense, SS Bradi Wall doubled and drove in four while RF Jenna Flannigan scored two and drove in three. LF Kelsey Lalor made a great diving catch to rob Cuba's Odrisleisis Peguero of an extra base hit in the first.

July 21[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 R H E
Flag of Cuba Cuba 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 5 9 1
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 1 6 10 2
Win: Luz Feliciano (1-0) Loss: Yanet Cruz (0-2)

Puerto Rico won their opener, squeaking past Cuba in extra innings. CF Marleen Gómez scored twice while 2B/P Luz Feliciano went 2 for 4 with a walk, run and two RBI. Feliciano also got the win with solid relief (1 H, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 R in 2 1/3 IP) of Katiria Dávila. For Cuba, CF Yurismary Báez scored and drove in two. Yanet Cruz lost for the second straight day, despite being Cuba's top hurler (1 R in 4 1/3 IP); she succeeded Yadira López (4 R in 3 1/3 IP) and Yoidania Castro (1 R in 0 IP).

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Flag of Canada Canada 5 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 11 5
Flag of Venezuela Venezuela 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 5 2
Win: Autumn Mills (1-0) Loss: Dayvis Cazorla (0-1)

Canada again won handily, with 1B Jennifer Gilroy's three-run triple the big hit in a five-run first. Venezuelan starter Dayvis Cazorla only lasted 1/3 of an inning and gave up four hits, a walk and five runs (four earned). Autumn Mills, on the other hand, allowed only two unearned runs in six innings, allowing four hits, fanning three and walking none. 2B Nicole Luchanski went 2 for 3 with two walks, two runs and two RBI from the leadoff spot.

July 22[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 10 0
Flag of Canada Canada 0 0 1 0 0 2 X 3 7 1
Win: Melissa Armstrong (1-0) Loss: María Zayas (0-1) Save: Amanda Asay (1)

Puerto Rico nearly pulled off a stunner of Canada, a much more successful women's team. LF Luz Feliciano had an opening hit off Kate Psota then RF Kiara Irizarry drove her in. 1B Yinoska Claudio drove in Irizarry to make it 2-0. Puerto Rico loaded the bases in the third against Psota and reliever Melissa Armstrong but failed to score. Armstrong would allow no runs in 3 2/3 IP, fanning six, but allowed four hits and one walk.

In the bottom of the third, 1B Jennifer Gilroy drew a walk from María Zayas and LF Becky Hartley singled, then 3B Ashley Stephenson grounded in Gilroy. 2B Nicole Luchanski laid down a bunt hit and SS Bradi Wall walked to load the bases but Canada failed to generate another run and still trailed by one. Canada again loaded the bases in the bottom of the 4th, this time with no outs, but they hit into a force at home then a double play to end the rally.

In the 6th, Luchanski hit a two-out double to score Gilroy and PR Niki Boyd (who ran for Hartley) to give Canada the lead. Puerto Rico had a chance in the top of the 7th but Boyd (staying in as the left fielder) made a great throw home; there was a collision at the plate but C Stéphanie Savoie hung on for the final out; both Savoie and the baserunner had to be helped off the field after the collision.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Flag of Cuba Cuba 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1
Flag of United States United States 6 1 2 2 X 11 14 2
Win: Kelsie Whitmore (1-0) Loss: Enelsy Cordoví (0-1)

In the first mercy rule win of a close tournament, the US got a strong start from Kelsie Whitmore (3 H, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 R), whereas Cuba's Enelsy Cordoví gave up 4 runs in 1/3 of an inning. 1B Malaika Underwood and LF Samantha Cobb each had two runs and a RBI while CF Brittany Gomez and C Anna Kimbrell each drove in two. CF Yurismary Báez had two of Cuba's three hits.

July 23[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 R H E
Flag of Venezuela Venezuela 1 0 0 0 7 5 13 13 1
Flag of Cuba Cuba 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 8 5
Win: Giddelys Cumaná (1-0) Loss: Yanet Cruz (0-3)

Venezuela got their first win, but trailed after four before 12 runs in the last two frames. SS Sor Brito went 3 for 3 with a run and two RBI and 2B Lelis Gómez drove in three; five Venezuelans had multiple runs. Cuba got both of their runs when C Yordanka Rodríguez drove in RF Odrisleisis Peguero; both were 2 for 3.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Flag of United States United States 1 0 0 0 2 3 3 9 7 0
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
Win: Stacy Piagno (1-0) Loss: Elizabeth Santana (0-1)

Stacy Piagno threw the first complete game no-hitter in US women's team history; three hurlers had combined on one in the 2008 Women's Baseball World Cup. Piagno walked 3B Lisandra Berrios on a full count with two outs in the first and retired every one else, nearly getting a perfect game; she fanned six. She got some defensive help when CF Brittany Gomez ran down a drive in the gap by 1B Yinoska Claudio in the 4th. #8 hitter Gomez and #9 hitter/C Anna Kimbrell each had two runs and two RBI, while 1B Malaika Underwood reached base all four times up.

July 24[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 1 1 0 0 0 0 7 9 12 4
Flag of Venezuela Venezuela 2 0 2 2 2 0 2 10 15 2
Win: Lelis Gómez (1-0) Loss: Adrix Paradizo (0-1)

With a medal for the winners and a farewell for the losers, this was a big game and went down to the wire. Venezuela built a 8-2 lead going into the 7th but Puerto Rico scored seven to retake it before Venezuela got two in the bottom of the 7th to win. RF Ofelia Arrieche went 4 for 4 with 3 runs and two RBI, C Osmari García drove in three and DH Astrid Rodríguez score three for Venezuela. Maria Rincon was excellent in relief (5 IP, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 H, 2 K); without her, Venezuela would likely have lost as their other hurlers gave up nine runs in two innings of work. RF Kiara Irizarry drove in three in a valiant losing effort.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Flag of United States United States 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 5 0
Flag of Canada Canada 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 9 1
Win: Marti Sementelli (1-0) Loss: Jessica Bérube (0-1) Save: Sarah Hudek (1)

With a spot in the Gold Medal game for the victors, the two previously unbeaten teams squared off. In the 4th, the US got to Canadian starter Jessica Bérube. DH Tamara Holmes singled with one out and RF Sarah Hudek singled as well. Bérube retired LF Samantha Cobb but walked 2B Jenna Marston to load the bases. 3B Michelle Snyder lined a two-run single to center, then Marston scored as well when the relay throw went over the fence. Bérube would finish with seven whiffs in 5 1/3 IP.

Canada loaded the bases against Marti Sementelli in the 5th with no outs but Sementelli got a double-play grounder and a strikeout to escape the jam; she allowed no runs in six innings, scattering seven hits and a walk. Kelsie Whitmore entered to close it in the bottom of the 7th but Canadian 3B Ashley Stephenson had a hit, then PH Kate Psota drew a walk and 2B Nicole Luchanski smacked a RBI double to center. That closed it to 3-1 and put the potential tying run on second. US skipper Jonathan Pollard summoned Hudek from right field to become the new hurler with Canada's 2-3-4 hitters coming up. Hudek retired SS Bradi Wall, fanned C Stéphanie Savoie and retired DH Amanda Asay to save the game.

July 25[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Flag of Venezuela Venezuela 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 7 2
Flag of Canada Canada 0 0 0 0 6 0 X 6 5 1
Win: Autumn Mills (2-0) Loss: Esquiea Rengel (0-1)

Today's game would feature a Bronze for the loser and a trip to the finale for the winner. Esquiea Rengel (Venezuela) and Autumn Mills (Canada) traded goose eggs for four innings. In the top of the 5th, CF Leonela Reyes singled in LF Migreily Angulo (who had two of Venezuela's four hits) for the lone run off Mills (who went the distance with a four-hit, no-walk, three-K game). Canada took charge in the bottom of the inning, though. Having only one hit prior, they began with walks from LF Kelsey Lalor and CF Jenna Flannigan. 1B Jennifer Gilroy hit into a run-scoring error by 3B Daily Giménez. 3B Ashley Stephenson was plunked to load the bases. Giddelys Cumaná relieved Rengel but RF Becky Hartley greeted her with a two-run single to put Canada ahead. 2B Nicole Luchanski singled in Stephenson and DH Amanda Asay had a one-out single to bring home Hartley. Lalor's sacrifice fly brought in Luchanski with a 6th and final run.

July 26[edit]

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Flag of Canada Canada 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 6 2
Flag of United States United States 4 0 1 0 3 3 X 11 12 1
Win: Stacy Piagno (2-0) Loss: Vanessa Riopel (1-1)

In a rematch of the men's Gold Medal game, the outcome proved to be the opposite, with the US beating the hosts. After a 3-1 game two days earlier, the US ran away with this one, tagging starter Vanessa Riopel with four runs (3 H, 1 BB) in 1/3 of an inning before Amanda Asay calmed things down with one run in the next 3 2/3 IP. The other relievers were less successful, though. P/RF Sarah Hudek and C Anna Kimbrell each drove in three, RF/LF Samantha Cobb scored three and 2B Jenna Marston had three hits for the US offense. Stacy Piagno was sharp in relief (0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 3 2/3 IP) of Hudek. 1B Malaika Underwood goes 2 for 3 with a walk and two runs to finish at a Games-best .600.

Sources[edit]

Pan American Games

1951 Games (Rosters) * 1955 Games (Rosters) * 1959 Games (Rosters)
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1971 Games (Rosters) * 1975 Games (Rosters) * 1979 Games | Rosters)
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