Frank Ugas pitches Venezuela past Canada in MVP performance

Venezuela opened the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup with a key win against Canada, 2-0, behind a Frank Ugas gem. The right-hander allowed only two hits and a walk in seven innings, with nine strikeouts.

As expected, it was a close game between two of the Americas superpowers. Ugas and Reese Yantzi started the game for Venezuela and Canada, respectively, but it was the former who prevailed with a seven-inning, 96-pitch shutout.

The two Venezuelan runs were scored in the top of the third. Right fielder Jesus Gimenez singled and clean-up hitter Denny Monjes tripled to knock in the runs for the South American team.

Yantzi was charged with the loss after four innings of work. He received two runs on five hits, with five strikeouts. Jordan Hudson pitched three innings in relief with four Ks.