Mexico beats Venezuela, back in play for super round spot

Mexico is back in play for a spot in the super round out of group B after an impressive, 10-6, win against Venezuela. Lefthander Juan Zavarce pitched five innings to earn the win.

Venezuela was off a brilliant start against Mexico’s starter Zavarce. The starting pitcher issued a one-out walk and was then hurt by back to back hits: a single by right fielder Wilmer Blanca and a double by center fielder Franklyn Rojas. A two-out base hit by left fielder Reinaldo Sarmiento made it 3-0 for Venezuela.

Zavarte won’t allow much else.
Venezuela scored a run in the top of the second on an RBI single by Kennew Blanco. Venezuela’s shortstop killed the potential rally as he became the second out trying to turn the single into a double.
Zavarce allowed another run in the top of the fifth when he gave up a line-drive solo homer to center by first baseman Johan Fernandes.

It had been clear from the start that Mexico was not going to be the sacrificial lamb. Mexico actually stroke back in the bottom half of the first. With two outs and the bases loaded, the line up got to Venezuela’s starter Christopher Alvarado with base hits by second baseman Uriel Torres, left fielder Gerardo Muraira and a double by catcher Sebastian Baquera. Mexico scored five and reversed the lead.

Mexico broke the score open in the bottom of the third. Alvarado loaded the bases issuing a couple of walks and allowing a base hit, then he left for Yeferson Gonzalez.
Lead-off hitter Yustin Canizales welcomed the newcomer with an RBI single. After getting the second out on strikes, Gonzalez allowed two runs on a wild pitch and a third when he threw the ball to left field in an attempt to get a runner at third.

Zavarce left in the top of the sixth with Mexico leading 10-5. Canizales moved from center field to the mound. He allowed a run on a base hit by Blanca but picked up the save as he struck out Kennew Blanco to end the game.

Mexico’s players show pride at the end of the game