Shing-Sheng/Taipei City. Panama has its first win at the II 12U Baseball World Cup. After losing 0-2 to the United States on Thursday and 0-2 to Korea on Friday, they rebounded with a 15-0 win over Russia on Saturday morning at Shing-Sheng Stadium. Russia had to settle for its second loss in as many days, facing two of the stronger teams in the tournament.
Panama ended its scoreless drought with a three-run first and blew the game wide open with five runs in the third and seven in the fourth. Shortstop Leonardo Jimenez was the key to the success, going 4-for-4 with three runs. Krysnar Grandison also crossed the plate thrice. Bryan Sanchez and Luis Velasco had two RBI apiece.
Except for three walks, Russia couldn’t do anything at the plate, going down hitless. Javier Serrano and Gamaliel Gonzalez struck out nine of the 15 batters they faced, taking the mound for Panama. Artem Logvinov allowed eight hits, eight runs and a walk in 2 2/3 innings to take the loss. Aleksandr Velichko closed it out, but didn’t fare better.
Russia hopes for a winning outcome on Sunday, when they take on Pakistan in the afternoon at Youth Park. Panama has the day off before taking on the same opponent on Monday, also in the south of the city.
