Australia’s fairy tale World Baseball Classic run comes to an end after quarter-final loss to Cuba
Australia’s historic World Baseball Classic run has come to an end after falling to Cuba in a 4-3 thriller.
After a stunning series of games throughout the group stage, the Aussies advanced to the quarter-finals for their first time ever.
However, a formidable Cuba squad stood in the way of an even deeper run, ultimately ending the dream of the underdog unit.
Australia struck first in the matchup, stringing together a pair of hits to take a 1-0 lead in the second inning.
Team Australia grabs the early lead! #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/sZz1sJ74Ib
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 15, 2023
Yet the Cubans weren’t willing to stay down for long, putting together some smart at-bats to tie the game an inning later.
They followed that up with a game-breaking inning in the fifth, taking advantage of some shaky Australian pitching to score a trio of runs, giving Cuba lead they would not relinquish.
Yoelkis Guibert delivers with the bases loaded!#WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/Yu0yuw6P2J
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 15, 2023
However the Aussies weren’t willing to go away that easy, with a monster 2-run homer from Rixon Wingrove in the sixth bringing them within a run and breathing life into the squad.
Rixon Wingrove's big blast gets Team Australia within a run!#WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/DzYgpM4HNb
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 15, 2023
From there, Australia had chances to tie the game, getting multiple runners on base in the eighth inning and looking poised to make another incredible moment.
Yet it just wasn’t to be for the group, faced with some stellar Cuban pitching and unable to get that tying run across the plate late in the contest.
For Cuba, it was a gutsy win and return to form for the squad, advancing to the semi-finals as they look to bounce back from a disappointing string of tournament appearances.
For Australia, it was a display of sheer heart, exemplified by Australian baseball star Darryl George battling tooth-and-nail when the team were down to their final strike.
Cuba advances to the Semifinals for the first time since 2006! 🇨🇺 pic.twitter.com/MrA702qKkk
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 15, 2023
Team Australia’s journey through the WBC was a milestone for baseball in the nation, taking a tremendous step forward as they reached heights in the sport that the country had never seen.
Cuba are the first team to advance to the semi-finals, and will have their opponent determined in the following days.