Venezuela wins again, earns super round spot

Three years after capturing bronze at the U-23 Baseball World Cup, Venezuela’s national team is making it clear they’re ready to take the next step.

The III U-23 World Cup’s lone remaining unbeaten stayed that way on Sunday night, limiting a strong opposing offense to just two hits as world No. 10 Venezuela blanked No. 2 Korea, 3-0, to stay perfect through four games.

Henry Medina got Venezuela’s impressive pitching day started and dealt 2 2/3 one-hit innings, striking out two to work around two walks before handing things off to his bullpen with reliever Jenric Chavez entering first. Chavez carried things through the fourth when Venezuela rode the momentum to the lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, Venezuela grabbed the lead without the benefit of a hit. Romer Cuadrado walked to lead off the frame and went to third base two batters later when a hotshot grounder off the bat of Juan Fernandez snuck through the legs of Hyo Won Jo. Venezuela catcher Jose Sibrian then hit a high chopper to third that Jo couldn’t handle, and Cuadrado scored the game’s first run.

In the fifth, the home team added two more. Facing Korea pitcher Dong Ju Moon, Antonio Pinero bunted for a single to lead off the frame and raced to third two batters later when Jesus Lujano doubled to right-center. Robert Perez then dealt the decisive blow on a double to left, driving home two runs.

"With first base open, I knew I had to be aggressive on a pitch in the zone," commented Perez. "I managed to make a good contact and drove in a couple of runs."

With the 3-0 lead, Venezuela cruised to the finish. After sterling work from Edwuin Bencomo, who earned the win, Angel Padron closed out the victory, striking out two and pitching around a two-out single in the seventh or the save.

On Monday, the Opening Round concludes in Hermosillo. Venezuela will look to improve to 5-0 with a matchup against 1-3 Panama from 15:00 while 1-3 Korea is in need of a win against 3-1 Colombia in the night game from 19:30.