1983 Pan American Games

From BR Bullpen

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.