During the “World Port Tournament 2017” championship,
the Cuban national team has shocked not only its fans but opponents as well.
The first place in the 1st round did not save the team from a crushing defeat.
Cuba national team since 1997 always made it to the
grand finale of the biannual editions in Rotterdam. The Red Machine won the
tournament in 1997, 2001, 2003, (2005 WPT was not organized), 2007, 2009, 2013
and 2015. In the two other years Cuba lost the final game: versus the
Netherlands in 1999 and versus Chinese Taipei in 2011. Alike in Rotterdam,
their performances in World Championships and Olympic Games made Cuba the most successful
nation in global baseball.
This week Cuba still finished first in WPT round robin
with 3 wins in 4 games, however, in the first play-off game Cuba was defeated
by Japan 2-5 after two extra innings. In a co-Caribbean backdoor semi-finale
game, smaller Curacao turned out smarter than Cuba. Wrong fielder’s choices by
Cuban third baseman and catcher delivered Cuba the fatal loss of 3-5 in the
game and the first ever missing of WPT finale and WPT podium.
Cuban losing streak in WPT 2017 was extended to four
in their last game versus the Netherlands: 3-1, decisive for 4th and 5th place
in final ranking. This is the first time Cuba finished last in World Port
Tournament, despite of opening with three consecutive wins.
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