AUCKLAND, New Zealand –Toledo assistant softball coach Jon Gwizdala and the USA Men's National Softball Team snapped a 22-year medal drought over the weekend. They collected a bronze medal at the 2022 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Men's Softball World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, after defeating world-ranked No. 1 Argentina by a 2-0 final. In the circle, Gwizdala recorded a 5.25 ERA with 19 strikeouts through 13.1 innings pitched.

"It was a great experience playing with and against the best softball players in the world," Gwizdala said about his experience. "I couldn't be more proud of how some of our young core showed up and played hard. Our team showed a lot of fight, and a lot of heart. Breaking a 22-year medal drought feels very good, and hopefully just fuels the fire moving forward for U.S. Men's Softball."

Team USA's 2-0 decision on Dec. 4 over Argentina resulted in the Red, White and Blue's 10th WBSC World Championships medal: five gold (1966, '68 '76, 92', and '00), one silver (1972), and four bronze (1984, '92, '00, and '22).

Team USA had an overall 5-4 record through the tournament. They went 3-2 in the opening round, and a 1-2 finish through the Super Round to get to its 10th Medal Round appearance in program history. 

Gwizdala came in to earn the win in the opening 1-0 victory over the Philippines, pitching 2.0 innings and adding four strikeouts. He got the call against New Zealand (2.0 IP, 2K), Cuba (2.1 IP, 3K) and Australia (1.2 IP, 2K). Gwizdala also made an appearance against the Czech Republic (2.2 IP, 4K) and Argentina (2.2 IP, 4K).

Australia claimed the gold medal, defeating Canada 5-2. The silver medal makes Canada the most-successful national team with 14 medals in program history: four gold, six silver, and four bronze.

2022 WBSC Men's Softball World Cup
Auckland, New Zealand

Date                     Results                               
Nov. 26                USA 1, Philippines 0
Nov. 27                USA 7, New Zealand 0
Nov. 28                USA 3, Czech Republic 6
Nov. 29                USA 8, Cuba 4
Nov. 30                USA 3, Argentina 5
Dec. 1                   # USA 3, Canada 4
Dec. 2                   # USA 9, Australia 12
Dec. 3                   # USA 5, Venezuela 1
Dec. 4                   % USA 2, Argentina 0
# Super Round, % Bronze Medal Round