Jose Valdez blanks Canada as Mexico get key win in Super Round

Jose Valdez pitched an absolute gem for Mexico, tossing a complete-game shutout against Canada in a key game to improve their Super Round seeding. The Mexicans defeated the Canadians with a 1-0 margin to remain in contention for a spot in the medal games of the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup.

Mexico scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the third, where Hector Garcia hit a double to left field and advanced to third on a sacrifice fly bunt by Jesus Romero, until he crossed the plate on a close play at home after a wild pitch.

It was all the offensive support needed by Jose Valdez, who pitched the complete game, giving up four hits and three walks against five strikeouts.

For Canada, the losing pitcher was starter Riley Manion, who tossed three innings with three strikeouts, a walk, two hits and one run. Reese Yantzi pitched three innings in relief, striking out five with no hits, runs or walks allowed.

Mexico improved their record to 2-2 in the Super Round and will face New Zealand in a must-win game on Saturday. Canada dropped their record to 1-3 and will play Australia in their final game in the Super Round.