Alain Roman’s masterpiece sends Cuba to Super Round after 1-0 drama against New Zealand

Alain Roman’s masterpiece sends Cuba to Super Round after 1-0 drama against New Zealand
30/11/2022
Alain Roman outpitched Daniel Chapman in a memorable nine-inning pitching duel that decided the third place in Group A.

In a fiercely fought contest, Cuba prevailed over New Zealand, 1-0, in two extra innings and clinched the final spot in the Super Round. Alain Roman outpitched Daniel Chapman in a memorable nine-inning pitching duel that decided the third place in Group A.

The win-or-go-home game was completely dominated by the two pitchers. Roman tossed nine scoreless innings, striking out 11 while allowing three hits and six walks. 

On the other hand, Chapman was magnificent during the entire game, striking out 18 opponents in 8 + innings, but couldn’t avoid the game-winning run to score in the bottom of the ninth, when Yesander Rodriguez hit a single up the middle to plate Yasmani Alvarez from third. 

With this result, New Zealand will finish the World Cup outside the top five for the first time. Their lowest position before was a fifth-place in the II WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup played in Tacoma, USA, in 1980. 

Meanwhile, Cuba aims to claim their first ever medal in their third participation in the tournament. Their best performance was a fourth place in 1988, when they made their debut in the competition.

Quotes: New Zealand Coach Mark Sorenson

“In critical situations we never got a hit. We struck out I don’t know how many times. We got runners on base and you don’t get a lot of opportunities in big games like that.

“Unfortunately, we could not get that guy across the line. It was quite critical because Daniel (Chapman) threw a hell of a game. It is one of the best games I have seen from a New Zealand pitcher. He was outstanding and I feel for him because it really left it all out there.

“We have a job still to do for the next few days. It will take a bit to get over this but we are back out here tomorrow.”