Cuba win WBSC Blind Baseball International Cup
Cuba defeated the defending champions, Italy, in the final, 2-1, to win the WBSC Blind Baseball International Cup 2024.
Pakistan claimed the bronze medal defeating Great Britain, 6-0, in the bronze medal game.
Final Standings
- Cuba
- Italy
- Pakistan
- Great Britain
- USA
- China
- Netherlands
- Hungary
Tournament Links
The final was as close as everybody expected. Italy and Cuba scored a single run in the first inning, and the tense game remained at 1-1, with each team showcasing defensive skills by completing a double play.
The crucial breakthrough came in the bottom of the fourth when Maikel Cedana crossed home plate to give Cuba a slender lead heading into the fifth and final inning.
Italy were unable to score and three quick outs gave Cuba their well deserved title.
“This is a victory we have been working hard, very hard for, and one Cuba has been waiting for. The team is very proud to be able to take the trophy home to Cuba,” said the tournament’s MVP, Maikel Merino Ruiz. “I wasn’t expecting the individual award as I just work hard for the team, and they are the reason for this success.”
Pakistan beat the hosts Great Britain, 6-0 in the bronze-medal game. The Pakistani offense continued to cause trouble for the opposition teams. Sarwar Ghulam, who won the leading hitter award, was on top of his game with four hits and two RBIs.
“For players of all countries, this tournament was an opportunity to share a love of the game, to reconnect with old friends and to make new ones,” said Ian Marchment, Director of Operations of Great Britain.
The other two individual awards went to Gaetano Casale (Italy; outstanding defensive player) and Kevin Carver (USA; best youth player)
