United States flex muscles, outscore Venezuela

World No. 2 USA showcased impressive power and solid defence on their way to an 11-4 win against No. 6 Venezuela at the VII WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup. Tyler Early, Bryant Ju and Michael Ohman homered. The infield manufactured a couple of double plays, and USA pitchers relied on brilliant catches by centre fielder Raylen Hunter and right fielder Early.

USA took the lead in the bottom of the second. Venezuela starter Willy Rodriguez walked Bryant Yu, and third baseman Zaylon Johnson hammered his first pitch for the game's first hit, an RBI double.

Venezuela got in scoring position with one out in the top of the third when Abel Granadillo walked and advanced on a wild pitch. Leadoff hitter Angel Rondon sent Granadillo to third with the first Venezuelan hit of the day. Rondon was caught stealing for the second out, but second baseman Alexandro Ladera doubled off the right field wall to tie the game. Venezuela took the lead on the RBI single by Rodriguez.

Rodriguez left without getting an out in the bottom half of the frame and USA took control of the game. Right fielder Tyler Early hit the fourth home run of his World Cup, a three-run shot. Venezuela handed the ball to Ezequiel Zamora with a runner on. Catcher Bryant Ju homered on his third pitch to make it 6-2. The defending U-12 world champions took advantage of a defensive error to add three runs.

Gomez struggled with control and left for Michael Ohman in the top of the fourth. Team USA defence supported both with a double play and a fine running catch by Early on a deep fly by Rondon.

Ohman helped himself in the bottom half of the frame with a two-run homer off Ender Acosta, the third Venezuelan pitcher.

USA broke the score open on a defensive error.

The United States (2-1) will play Japan on Day 2 of the Super Round, while Venezuela (1-2) will face the Dominican Republic.