TORONTO – The Canadian Men’s National Team edged the United States, 7-6 in extra-innings, to defend the Pan Am Games gold medal Sunday night.
The 10-inning in thriller at President’s Choice Pan Am Ball Park against the United States was a rematch of the 2011 championship game.
With the game tied 4-4 after the ninth inning, WBSC’s extra-inning tiebreaker rule was enforced, with each team’s offense starting the 10th with runners on first and second base.
The U.S. added two runs in the top of the 10th.
Down to their final two outs, Canada, ranked No. 7 in the world, used a single and an errant pick-off attempt by world No. 2 U.S. to circle around the bases, with a dramatic dive and play at home plate to secure the winning run and begin celebrations for capacity host-nation crowd.
The U.S. was trying to capture its first Pan Am gold medal since the 1967 Games.
In the bronze medal match, Jose Garcia of the Cuban Men’s National Team hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to lift world No. 3 Cuba to a 7-6 victory over No. 9 Puerto Rico.
Men’s Baseball Final Standings:
- Canada
- United States
- Cuba
- Puerto Rico
- Dominican Republic
- Nicaragua
- Colombia
Women’s Baseball historic debut
Following the men’s baseball event, women’s baseball will make its debut at Pan American Games on Monday, 20 July,
It will be the first time in history for women’s baseball to be featured a multi-sport event.
Baseball and softball at the Pan Am Games is overseen by WBSC and its continental confederations for the Americas, together with the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO).
