Garcia’s 2 RBI, strong bullpen push Mexico past Chinese Taipei in U-23 Baseball World Cup opener

When designated hitter Alan Garcia got to Chinese Taipei starter Cheng Hao Chun for a bases loaded two-out and two-RBI single in the first, nobody could figure that those two runs were all the production Mexico needed to win, 2-1, the opener of group A of the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup.

Mexico needed a huge effort by its bullpen.

Four pitchers took the mound after starter Luis Rodriguez (five innings of work for the win) went to the showers. Mexico’s relievers pitched four innings of one-hit ball and Erick Casillas earned the save ending the game with back to back strike outs.

Chinese Taipei scored their only run in the top of the fourth on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Chu Hsiang Lin. A couple of great plays by left fielder Norberto Obeso helped Rodriguez limit Chinese Taipei to one run early in the game. In the top of the seventh, Chinese Taipei had the best chance to tie the game. Reliever Alejandro Chavarria walked the bases loaded and then left for Rafael Ordaz. Mexico’s bull pen showed all its depth, since the newcomer got a key out retiring pinch hitter Chang Wen Hsien.

Thanks to this head first slide, Yeh Yun Lin got the only Chinese Taipei hit against Mexico’s bullpen

The extraordinary effort of Mexico’s bullpen doesn’t outshined a great outing by Chinese Taipei only reliever. Chen Liang Chih went 6.2 innings and allowed only three hits, keeping Mexico scoreless.