Cubans Rally for Three Runs in Ninth to Beat U.S. Team for World Title, 4-3

Lourdes Gurriel hit a game-tying, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth, and Lazaro Vargas singled in the winning run as Cuba rallied for a 4-3 victory over the United States Wednesday to win the World Baseball Championships.

Cuba, the defending champion, beat the Americans with a ninth-inning rally for the second time in the tournament. The Cubans came from behind Sunday for a 10-9 victory.

The Americans took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on singles by Robin Ventura, Mike Fiore and Ty Griffin. Tino Martinez added solo homers in the sixth and eighth innings.

Cuba scored in the sixth against starter Jim Abbott when Antonio Pacheco drew a walk and Luis Casanova and Gurriel followed with singles.

The Cubans’ rally began when Ventura bobbled Casanova’s grounder and the Cuban beat the throw on a controversial call. Gurriel then tied the game with his home run.

The United States then changed pitchers, replacing Abbott, who had eight strikeouts, with Andy Benes.

Orestes Kindelan and Pedro Rodriguez singled, and Benes intentionally walked Victor Mesa, loading the bases. Vargas’ single gave Cuba its 19th victory in 22 world championships.

In the third-place game, Taiwan beat Japan, 4-2.