Mexico shuts out Chinese Taipei, earns third consecutive win

Mexico will head into the fifth day of Group A play alone atop the standings following a 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei on Sunday night in Ciudad Obregon.  

The host nation - and reigning U-23 World Champion - won its third consecutive game behind dominant pitching performances from Juan Tellez, Juan Robles and Ricardo Hernandez.  Tellez fanned four and scattered three hits across his four-inning start.

"We knew Chinese Taipei is a tough team to beat," commented Tellez after the game. "I tried to mix my pitches to get to ground out or fly out."

Robles and Hernandez did not allow a hit in their combined three innings of work.

Chinese Taipei lost its second consecutive game and has now scored runs in just two of 21 innings since a 7-0 rout of Germany on the opening day of the tournament.  

Mexico’s Javier Salazar scored the game’s first run - and ultimately the game winning run - on a wild pitch in the bottom of the first.  Fabricio Macias doubled home Kevin Lamas in the bottom of the fourth, and Agustin Ruiz plated Brandon Valenzuela with a double in the bottom of the fifth.  Salazar and Lamas each collected two hits in the win.

Chinese Taipei needed five pitchers to get through the game. Starter Lin Ting-Yu did not make it through the first.

"I saw he was very nervous," said Chinese Taipei manager Shih-hsin Wu, "He has never played international baseball before. Considering also the many lefties in Mexico lineup, we decided to change."

Chinese Taipei heads into a must-win game against the Dominican Republic on Monday afternoon at Estadio Yaquis. 

"We are aware we need to win to stau in the race for the super round. The players are ready, our pitchers are well rested."

Mexico can secure first place with a victory over Germany on Monday night in its final game of Group A play.