Rick Hirtensteiner of Pepperdine had three hits,...

Rick Hirtensteiner of Pepperdine had three hits, including a home run, and Jim Abbott pitched five strong innings to lead the U.S. Pan American Games baseball team to an 8-3 victory over the Cuban national team at Havana.

It was the first United States victory over Cuba since 1985, and is believed to be the first victory in Havana since 1960. Cuba leads the five-game series, 2-1.

Abbott (4-0), born without a right hand, gave up one run on three hits, allowed one walk and struck out one to help the Americans (18-3) down the four-time defending world champions.