1983 Pan American Games

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The 1983 Pan American Games were held in Caracas and dominated by the Cuban national team. Team USA also was unbeaten in pool play but dropped a 9-5 decision to Nicragua. Against Cuba, they led 1-0 through 6 but a Juan Castro homer helped Cuba start a 8-run rally to complete a rout. Cuba won the Gold, Nicaragua the Silver and the US the Bronze.

[edit] The Medalists

Cuba went 9-0 and was led by Pedro Medina (.667), the tourney leader with 9 runs and the co-leader with 4 homers. Lourdes Gourriel hit .526, Castro .700 and Antonio Pacheco .500. Braudilio Vinent (2-0, 0.00) and Rogelio Garcia (3-0, 0.00) paced the staff.
Nicaragua was 6-4 but their win over the US gave them the silver. Julio Moya (2-0) led the Games with 12 strikeouts.
United States had a solid 8-2 record. Mark McGwire tied for the lead with four home runs while B.J. Surhoff drove in the most, 11. John Hoover had a 0.00 ERA to lead the pitchers. Tim Belcher and Jeff Ballard were other future major leaguers on the staff.

[edit] The Rest of Pool A

Dominican Republic was 5-5, finishing tied for 4th in the final round at 2-3.
Canada was 3-2 in pool play but did not advance. Canadian Tom Nelson had 12 hits, the most.
Puerto Rico only was 1-4 yet Luis Fontanez led all players with 5 doubles.
Brazil was winless in five tries.