Venezuela surprised the USA, 7-6, and remained undefeated at the top of group B.
The USA scored first in the bottom of the first, but Venezuela came back against USA starter Lucas Tinajero in the top of the second. The fourth home run in the tournament by Leonel Dominguez tied the game. Kennew Blanco batted in the go-ahead run.
Venezuela opened the score against reliever Josiah Hartshorn. The line up combined for ten hits. Jayden Stroman, the brother of MLB starter Marcus, was the only USA pitcher who did not allow a run.
Venezuela starter Jean Blanco left after four with a comfortable 7-2 lead. In the bottom of the sixth two defensive errors gave the USA a chance for a comeback. With the tying run at first, on a 3-ball-1 strike count, reliever Eyden Salas got rightfielder Jack Ruckert to ground out to second and end the game.
Venezuela celebrates the win
Mexico scored in the first, taking full advantage from a walk and a defensive error and that unearned run was all they needed to beat Italy, 1-0.
The game turned out to be a pitching duel between Kevin Orozco, who recorded the win going four innings and allowing only two hits, and Filippo Sabatini, who suffered the loss despite allowing only two hits.
Italy’s best chance to score happened in the top of the fifth, when reliever Alonso Gallegos issued back to back one-out walks. Mexico gave then the call to Gustavo Vargas, who struck out Anselmi. Baldisseri became the third out trying to advance on a wild pitch.