SALTILLO, Mexico – World No. 8 Mexico blasted three home runs in front of 7,800 fans at Estadio Madero to score a knockout win on the final day of the Opening Round to earn the sixth and final spot in the Super Round — the next stage — of the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup® 2016.
The host nation joins No.1 Japan, No. 3 Korea, No. 13 Australia, No. 15 Panama and No. 18 Nicaragua in advancing to the Super Round, which begins on Thursday, as the field has been cut from 12 to 6 nations.
Mexico 15, South Africa 0
A 1st inning, 3-run homer from Moises Gutierrez (Sultanes de Monterrey – LMB) started the scoring in the 15-0 victory against South Africa (0-5) at Madero stadium, home of LMB’s Saraperos de Saltillo.
San Diego Padres minor leaguer Jose Ureña added a 2-run home run in the 5th to complete a 3-for-4 day at the plate with five RBI, while Baltimore Orioles prospect Carlos Diaz blasted a towering 2-run home run to end the game in the 6th inning, due to the 15-run differential after five innings.
Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Jorge Gonzalez allowed just one hit and three walks, and added seven strikeouts to pick up the win for Mexico.
South Africa starter Cameron Clinton Fortuin suffered the loss.
Chinese Taipei 3, Austria 0
Chi Tseng tossed eight shutout innings to lead Chinese Taipei (2-3) to a 3-0 win over Austria (0-5).
Tseng allowed just two hits and three walks, while striking out five hitters to record the win.
Chinese Taipei opened the scoring in the 1st as they plated two runs coming on a wild pitch and an error. Po yi Wu smacked a solo home run in the 6th as part of a 3-for-3 day at the plate.
Austria’s defensive highlights helped keep the game close, as Lukas Bickel took the loss for Austria.
Venezuela v Czech Republic
Venezuela held a 10-9 advantage over No. 14 Czech Republic before the game was suspended in the 7th inning due to darkness in the city of Cadareyta. Play is scheduled to resume Wednesday at 10am local time and will have implications on the final standings — 7th to 12th Place.
