16/04/2023 1 Minute Read

Mexico top Czechia to remain undefeated in Group A

Mexico produced another strong fifth-inning outing that helped them win their second game and claim the top spot in Group A, while Czechia dropped in the standings with a 1-1 record.

Mexico defeated Czechia 6-4 in a roller coaster game on Sunday to remain undefeated in Group A of the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup. Luis Rodriguez's RBI double in the fifth put Mexico ahead, boosting their momentum to close the game in their favour.

Mexico jumped ahead in the score in the first inning, when a two-out error allowed Mexico to score the first run of the game.

Mexico's clean-up hitter Jorge Martinez knocked in Jordan Solorio with a solid line drive to right field to extend the lead of his team to 2-0.

Czechia came from behind and took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. Jakub Hajny gave the European champions the edge with a three-run homer.

Mexico regained the lead in the fifth on Rodriguez's RBI double, following Manuel Zepeda's game-tying grounder. One inning later, Junior Flores smashed a two-run homer that extended the lead to 6-3.

Martin Magula drove in Marek Volf in the bottom of the sixth for Czechia's final run that reduced the deficit to 6-4.

For Mexico, Jose Valdez was the winning pitcher in relief of 3.1 innings, giving up three hits and one run while striking out two. The loss was charged to Jakub Osicka.

Mexico remained on top of the standings in Group A with a pair of wins, while Czechia now have a 1-1 card.