Czech batters rack up 10 hits in triumph over Venezuela

World No. 15 Czechia batters combined for 10 hits to help the team win a 7-0 shutout over No. 6 Venezuela at the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup. Czechia finished ninth overall, their best-ever performance in this age bracket.

Czechia took the lead in the top of the third, scoring one with Martin Sobotka’s run on fielder’s choice while Simon Klacl was tagged out trying to steal second base.

In the bottom of the third, Venezuela loaded the bases with two walks and one intentional walk, but Czech starter Michael Senay got out of the bases-loaded jam successfully.

Czechia added one more run in the top of the fourth with Jakub Winkler’s single to right field, driving in Michael Sindelka’s run, 2-0. Venezuela then turned out a smooth 5-4-3 double play and a ground out to end the inning, preventing Czechia from extending the lead.

In the top of the fifth, Czechia extended the lead with Simon Klacl’s single, Filip Kubicek’s double and Sindelka’s single. They later added one more run on a wild pitch and a defensive error, ending the inning 6-0.

Czechia loaded the bases in the top of the sixth on a fielder’s choice and two walks. Venezuela then turned to their third reliever, Juan Agudelo, who got out of the jam with a strikeout.

In the top of the seventh, Czechia added one more run with Matous Bubenik’s single through the left side, sending Sindelka back home, 7-0.

Venezuela had a great chance to come back in the bottom of the seventh when Gabriel Davalillo’s single loaded the bases, but Czechia ended the game with a flyout.

Czechia had previously never finished above 10th place in seven U-18 Baseball World Cup participations.

Venezuela finished in 11th place, there lowest finish in the tournament since finish ninth in 2010.