USA places 5th in world with win over Venezuela; Palazzo and Ochoa homer

Two homers by Matt Palazzo and Erick Ochoa produced all the offensive today for USA as the team claimed the fifth place in the World Championship with a 5-4 victory over Venezuela. USA finished fifth place in the tournament, while Venezuela ended sixth. Both teams climbed one position from the World Championship 2017.

USA’s first attack produced two runs for the American team. Erick Ochoa walked and five pitches later Matt Palazzo crushed a drop ball over the Czech House roof, located at center field in Svoboda Park.

In the bottom of the fifth, another good swing added three more runs for USA. Tyler Dudley and Jenner Christiansen were hit by Maiker Pimentel, and then Erick Ochoa hit a 3-0 pitch to launch an opposite field 3-run shot.

Venezuela came back in the game with a 4-run sixth inning. Joel Cooley entered the game but hadn’t a good outing, he walked back-to-back hitters and then with two outs John Zambrano blasted a 3-run homer to center field. After that, Rogelio Sequera singled and Carlos Carreño made it a one-run ballgame with an RBI double to left field.

Jon Gwizdala came in in relief and walked the first batter he faced, but then four opponents in a row to close the door.

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