Passions, politics rise as US-Cuba renew Olympic rivalry

Beijing: Political rivals Cuba and the United States meet on the baseball diamond here on Friday for what might be the final time in Olympic history in the sport both nations adore.

With baseball set for the Olympic chopping block after Beijing and no guarantee of a medal-round playoff meeting, an era could be ending for the Communist island home of Fidel Castro and the sport's American birthplace.

"It means a lot to us because it's the last Olympics for baseball," Cuban manager Antonio Pacheco said. "If we win it will go down in history. I think we will put up a good fight."

The Cubans have won four of the prior five Olympic gold medals but lost the 2000 Sydney final 4-0 to the US squad, the most recent US-Cuba meeting in the Olympics since the Americans failed to qualify in 2004 when Cuba claimed gold.

"We have to make a statement after missing 2004," US manager Davey Johnson said.

Current Major League Baseball pitcher Ben Sheets tossed a three-hitter at a formidable Cuba lineup that had blasted in 53 runs over eight prior games to win the final at Sydney.

Another lineup of minor leaguers represents America since Major League Baseball refuses to shut down for the Olympics as leagues in Japan and South Korea do in order to send their best players to the Games.

"We just want to go out there and win the gold medal and if they don't bring back baseball, hopefully that (medal) is something we can be proud of," US shortstop Brian Barden said.

Defections over the years have weakened Cuba's rich talent pool but new players have stepped up to continue the country's baseball dynasty, which included a runner-up finish to Japan in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

The Classic, the first event to feature active US major leaguers, proved that Cubans could compete with the finest US players as the Americans were ousted in the second round while Cuba lost to Japan in the final.

The Cubans avenged that loss by defeating Japan 4-2 in their Olympic opener while the Americans were beaten 8-7 by South Korea in their debut, squandering a one-run lead in the final inning.

"International baseball has a real sense of urgency. Every pitch is vital," US infielder Jayson Nix said.