Urbaneja’s no hitter propel Venezuela past Denmark in extras. Argentina beats Philippines in five

Venezuelan left-hander Erick Urbaneja pitched an 8-inning no-hitter in a 1-0 victory over Denmark, for the Group B of the Men’s Softball World Championship in Svoboda Park. For the losing team, Kim Hansen did a terrific job from the circle, but didn’t receive support from his offence and was charged with his first loss of the event.

The game was a classic pitching duel. Not a single runner reached third base during the seven regular-innings.

Urbaneja was untouchable this afternoon, changing speeds and painting the corners. He only allowed 3 walks and fanned 6 in a brilliant performance. His counterpart was also magnificent; he only surrendered an unearned run, on the tie-breaking rule. The powerful right-hander fanned 14 Venezuelans and allowed only 4 hits.

In the eighth inning, Venezuela scored the go-ahead run without a single hit. Jose Solorzano started the inning in second base due to the tie-breaking rule, Manuel Contreras advanced him with a sacrifice bunt and Herwims Querales plated him with a fly to left field, deep enough to allow Solorzano cross the plate.

In the bottom half of the extra inning, Urbaneja closed the door. Andres Svane bunted in the air and catcher Rafael Flores gloved it for the first out and then Martin Simonsen struck out looking. With two outs, the tying run in scoring position and full count, Alejandro Isasi hit a changeup directly to Urbaneja, who managed to stop the ball with his right foot and assisted to first to close the game.

Venezuela remains unbeaten after three games, and tomorrow will play its next game against the Netherlands; while Denmark will try to even its record facing Australia.

BOXSCORE

Argentina beats Philippines in five

Argentina collected today its second win of the tournament after a comfortable five-innings victory over Philippines, 15-0. Left fielder Mariano Montero hit a grand slam in a 6-run second inning, while Alan Peker belted a 3-run blast in the fifth. Gustavo Godoy also homered for the South Americans.

Philippines only connected one hit in the game, a single off the bat of Gerone Riparip in the bottom of the third.

The winner of the game was Roman Godoy, who made 37 pitches in 3 innings and fanned 5, whit 1 hit. Juan Potolicchio threw the fourth and fifth and had 6 strikeouts.

BOXSCORE