On this date in USA Baseball history, Team USA suffered its first loss of the 2000 Olympics to the two-time defending gold medalist Cuba in a 6-1 decision. The two clubs hold 5-1 records, the best of the tournament’s eight teams.

Lefthander Rick Krivda got the start on the mound for Team USA in his first appearance of the tournament. Along with being a lefty, Krivda came with major-league experience and a breaking ball manager Tommy Lasorda hoped would hold off the Cubans at the plate.  

After Cuba’s Jose Ibar retired the American side in order in the top of the first, it was Krivda’s chance to do the same. Despite his best efforts, Krivda was unable to find his rhythm and Cuba tallied four runs in the first inning.  

After a solid second inning for Krivda, he was relieved by Jon Rauch. Rauch was able to quiet the Cuban side, striking out eight through four innings and allowing only one run. With his eight strikeouts, Rauch pushed his Olympic total to 21 in just 11 innings on the mound.

With Cuba leading 6-0 heading into the ninth, Team USA was able to avoid the shutout as Pat Borders managed an RBI single and brought home Sean Burroughs putting the Americans on the board.

With the loss, Team USA heads into the final game before the four-team medal round with a 5-1 record. They will take on Olympic host Australia with medal-round seeding yet to be determined.

September 23, 2000: Not the result we wanted, but this one just fueled our fire 😤 #otd

📝: https://t.co/fkeJ8KRm9x pic.twitter.com/Rvo4m1zIdR

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) September 23, 2020

QUOTABLES

- "I ran into trouble when I walked Omar Linares. They hit some high changeups, and even when I made a better pitch, Miguel Caldes was able to hit it into the gap. If I could have that first inning back, maybe it would be a different game.” Rick Krivda (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- “I didn't go out there and do anything different. I just threw strikes. It's nice to go out and do well.” Jon Rauch (Baseball America)