Venezuela scores in every inning, tops South Africa to finish in third place in Group C

Jose Poito and Juan Martinez drove in three runs each, while Aaron Arroyo (4) and Aaron Piñero (3) combined for seven runs scored in Venezuela’s 15-1 win over South Africa on the last day of the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Opening Round. Venezuela closes the round in third place in Group C and will continue in the Placement Round, for 7th to 13th place.

Venezuela scored in their all five turns at bats, including a six-run rally in the first inning that secured the win for the South American team. They registered 17 hits in the game. 

Carlos Gonzalez went the distance and allowed four hits and one run in the five innings pitched. He struck out 10 South African hitters in the game. 

The only run for South Africa was scored by designated hitter Joshua Botta, who hit a single to leadoff the fourth inning, then stole second base, and scored on a throwing error while he was trying to steal third base.

Venezuela finishes their opening round with a 2-2 record, good enough for third place in the five-team Group C. They will play in the Placement Round along with 1-3 Guam and 0-4 South Africa out of Group C.