Youth Park/Taipei City. Venezuela celebrated its second win at the II 12U Baseball World Cup, defeating Russia 17-0 on Friday afternoon. For the Europeans it was their first game in tournament history. Venezuela scored five runs in the first, four in the second and eight in the third inning. Their only blemish on defense was a hit by pitch.
Leadoff batter Ricardo van Grieken did his job, getting the offense started by going 3-for-3 with a walk, four runs scored and two RBI. Humberto Merentes scored thrice and drove in three. On the mound Bernie Reyes cruised through four innings, facing the minimum of 12 batters.
Nikita Nizov was Russia’s only base runner in the top of the fourth, getting hit by a 0-1 pitch to lead off the fourth. Artem Logvinov got charged with the loss, surrendering two hits, five runs and three walks in the first.
Russia is going to face Panama on Saturday morning in Shing-Sheng Stadium. Venezuela will take on a Korea in a duel of undefeated teams in the evening game at Tien-Mou Stadium.
