Venezuela keeps cruising in Group B of the WBSC U-23 Baseball World. Their fourth consecutive win was worth first place and a spot in the super round. Venezuela still needs a win on the final day of group play to move to Hermosillo on a perfect record.
Colombia earned their second consecutive win on the run-difference rule and is also sure to compete for the top six places. The third spot out of Group B is still open,
Netherlands-Panama 4-1 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE
Colombia-Nicaragua 10-0 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE
Venezuela-Korea 3-0 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE
The Netherlands were facing elimination. They reacted playing the best game of their U-23 Baseball World Cup. They outhit Panama (8-7) and didn't commit an error. Four Dutch pitchers limited Panama to one run.
"We just know that we can play good baseball," said manager and 2011 Baseball World Champion Sidney De Jong. "We are here to show everybody that we can match the level of play of any country."
Colombia had a 14-hit game including a home run by third baseman Jordan Diaz. Diaz and left fielder Gustavo Campero combined for six RBIs.
Manager Jose Mosquera has reasons to smile.
"I know what I have. These are talented hitters," he said after the game. "They also understand that good games come if you prepare the right way, focusing on the little things."
Mosquera doesn't want the attitude of his team to change because of a couple of knockout wins.
"First of all, we need to respect the other teams, and hopefully, we will get the same respect back. We will keep playing one inning at a time."
Jorge Martinez limited Nicaragua to a couple of hits after getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the first. Luis De Avila allowed only a walk over two innings.
"Getting out of the first without allowing a run was important," said Mosquera. "We have a strong pitching staff. These guys are all under contract with professional organisations and have respectable arms, powerful fastballs. We do a lot of work with my staff to get to them all the information they need about the matchups."
Four Venezuelan pitchers impressed against Korea, limiting the world No. 2 Korean lineup to a couple of hits.
"Our pitchers have worked well, and they are now ready," commented pitching coach Omar Bencomo. "I would say we have a pretty clear idea of what we need to do against the other teams. These four wins give our staff a lot of confidence."
Venezuela is undefeated and secured a Super Round spot. Nonetheless, a loss against Panama in the final game of group play could prove costly, if Panama qualified.
"We had a plan," said Bencomo, "And we will stick to it. Pitchers do not need to rest at this stage. They need to stay focused."
Venezuela got on the scoreboard in the fourth and added two insurance runs on a double by Robert Perez Jr.
Perez said: "Our goal never is not just getting to the super round, we are here to win. So we are playing all the games to win. One of the keys to winning is having fun while you play.
Monday 27 September-the schedule
Nicaragua @ Netherlands
Panama @ Venezuela
Colombia @ Korea
