“We thought it was going to be a duel between the pitchers and it turned out to be that,” said USA Head Coach Ray Tanner. “Vera was just outstanding for Cuba. Jered Weaver battled his heart out for us, but we just weren’t able to muster enough offense to get to Vera.”

Weaver pitched eight innings in defeat for Team USA. Weaver allowed two runs on eight hits and finished with seven strikeouts. The loss for Weaver was his first of the summer.

“You cant do much about what happened tonight,” said Weaver. “I felt great, but they just kept hitting good pitches. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; not everybody gets to wear USA across their chest. It has been a fabulous journey. Pitching against the Dominican and here (Cuba) has been the experience of my life. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Tied 1-1 in the seventh inning, Cuba stringed three straight hits together, including an RBI single from Pastano to gain a one run lead. Weaver worked his way out of a jam though, setting the next three batters down in order, limiting Cuba from increasing its advantage. Cuba added its third run in the eighth inning as Pastano knocked a homer to left field off USA reliever Steven Register.

Team USA opened up a 1-0 lead early in the game in the bottom of the second inning. Jeff Larish led off the frame with a walk and advanced to second base on a single from Seth Smith. After Mike Nickeas grounded out to the right side, advancing both runners, Brent Lillibridge knocked a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Larish and giving the U.S. a one run lead.

The Red, White and Blue maintained the lead until Cuba tied the game at 1-1 in the sixth inning. Carlos Alberto Tabares led off with a bunt single and scored on a two out RBI single from Yulieski Gourriel down the left field line. The run for Cuba ended a scoreless inning streak for Weaver at 45 and two-thirds innings.