Anyibel Ramirez to lead Spain’s pitching staff as Group B hosts unveil roster for WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup

Experienced right-hander Anyibel Ramirez will be the leader of the Spanish pitching staff for the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup, after the announcement of the 16-player roster for the competition. Spain will host Group B of the World Cup in Valencia from 18-22 July.

Ramirez, a 33-year-old pitcher, has plenty of international experience. Born in Barinas, Venezuela, she represented the South American country in three World Cups: Caracas 2010, Whitehorse 2012 and Surrey 2016. The other veteran voice in Spain’s dugout will be Yaicey Sojo, a Beijing 2008 Olympian with Venezuela.

Spain’s roster features 13 players from the last European Championship, where the national team finished in fifth place. The team also has eight veterans from the 2019 team that finished in fifth place at the Europe/Africa Olympic Qualifier.

Spain roster

1. Beatriz Alonso
2. Estibaliz Alvarez
3. Meritxell Blesa
4. Carmen Caicoya
5. Maria Caicoya
6. Ariadna Cerda
7. Yulan Denia
8. Candela Garcia
9. Sorangel Ledezma
10. Alba Lopez
11. Uxua Modrego
12. Anyibel Ramirez
13. Raquel Rodrigo
14. Carla Segura
15. Anna Sobrino
16. Yaicey Sojo

Blesa, Garcia and Modrego were the biggest bats in Spain’s offensive during last year’s European Championship. Blesa hit for .400, while Garcia and Modrego posted a .391 batting average. 

World No. 12 Spain will host No. 4 Puerto Rico, No. 10 Netherlands, No. 11 China, No. 28 Cuba and No. 38 South Africa in Group B of the World Cup.