The Rockland Boulders defeated the Cuban National Team by a score of 6-5 to end Cuba’s trip to the CanAm.  Rockland’s starter CJ Riefenhauser (4-1) recorded the win with a five inning, one run performance.  Alain Sánchez (0-4) took the loss for Cuba after giving up five runs in one inning.

With Cuba attempting to mount a ninth inning rally, a controversial call brought the contest to a memorable finish. Yoelkis Cespedes took off from first on Victor Mesa's one out grounder, with shortstop Mike Fransoso's flip reaching Dylan Tice at second just after the runner.

Cespedes went in standing up, however, and put his hands up resulting in contact that knocked the ball free. The original call was that all hands were safe but a consultation by the umpiring crew resulted in a reversal on an interference call, sending the Cuban coaching staff into a frenzy.

Several coaches were ejected and the players began to leave the Cuba bench when the game was called at that point, securing the Boulders' victory.

Game ends in a dirt-kickin' fashion with umps scurrying for cover - Check out the video that's all over the internet. - Check It Out Here!

Cuba started the scoring early on in the first inning.  Raul Gonzalez singled and moved to second on the walk to Yosvani Alarcón.  Gonzalez then stole third and scored on a single by Denis Laza to give the Cubans an early lead.

However, the Boulders would get their revenge in the bottom of the inning.  Dylan Tice walked and Cody Regis singled to set the table for Joe Maloney who crushed his league leading 15th home run of the season.  Jon Smith went back-to-back with a homer of his own to put Rockland up 4-1.

The Boulders got another run in the second after Aaron Wilson led off with a double and scored on an RBI single by newly acquired catcher Matt Fortin for his first at bat with the Boulders. The five runs in 1+ inning knocked Sanchez out of the game.

Riefenhauser departed the game after the fifth inning and the Boulders called on Michael O’Neal to pitch the sixth. However, Gonzalez singled and came home on a triple by Alarcón.   Afterwards, an RBI groundout by Laza cut Cuba’s deficit to two runs.

In the seventh inning, Smith doubled off of reliever Yasmany Hernandez forcing Cuba to bring in their third reliever of the game, Frank Luis Medina.  Mike Montville would be the first batter to face Medina and he dropped a bloop double into shallow right field to score Smith making the score 6-3.

Rockland turned to reliever Matt Kostalos in the eighth inning.  Gonzalez started Cuba with his third single of the night to lead off.  The dangerous Alarcón then doubled to bring Gonzalez home and reach base for the fourth time in the game.  Yeniet Perez would drive in Alarcón with a single to make the game a one-run contest.

Newly anointed closer Jon Velasquez was called on to close the game out and responded with a save to improve the boulders to 30-10 while Cuba finished their CanAm play at 5-16. Next up for the Boulders will be a road series against the Trois-Rivieres Aigles.  The team will return home for a holiday series against the New Jersey Jackals on July 3rd  at 6:30 p.m.