Former Snapper Helps Team USA Claim Gold
Brian Duensing has pitched some big games in his career, including while he was a member of the 2006 Snappers, but nothing compares to this. Duensing was the starting pitcher for the victorious Team USA in this year's IBAF World Cup gold medal game against Cuba. Brian and Team USA defeated Cuba by a final score of 6-3, ending Cuba's 25-year gold medal run and ending a 33-year gold medal absence of their own.
In Sunday's (November 18th) gold medal game, Duensing went four and two third's innings allowing two runs (one earned) off of five hits. Brian also struck out two Cuba batters in the effort. Duensing was replaced by the eventual Team USA winner, Angels' minor leaguer Steven Sell, in the bottom of the fourth inning.
The gold medal win by Team USA was their first since 1974.
While a member of the Snappers, Brian went 2-3 with a 2.94 ERA in 70.1 innings pitched. Duensing compiled 55 strike outs compared to just 14 walks.
Brian was the Twins' third round pick in the 2005 June draft. Born in Marysville, Kansas, this 5-11 left hander attended the University of Nebraska where he was a Collegiate Baseball Honorable-Mention Freshman All-American, Big 12 All-Freshman Team, and a member of the NCAA Lincoln All-Regional Team in 2002.