01/08/2023 1 Minute Read

Chinese Taipei beat Venezuela, secure first place in Group A

The hosts came back from an early deficit and won 4-2. Sheng-Rang Wang went 2-for-2 with two RBIs and completed a vital defensive play at second in the top of the third.

World No. 4 Chinese Taipei defeated No. 6 Venezuela, 4-2, to remain the only undefeated team at the top of Group A of the VII WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup. The hosts secured first place and a 2-0 record in the Super Round. The hosts started with some defensive issues. A phenomenal performance by second baseman Sheng-Rang Wang sparked the comeback.

Venezuela took an early lead. With one out, starter Yu-Hsiang Wang walked second baseman Alexandro Ladera, who ran aggressively from second and scored on the error. They added a run in the top of the second. Pitcher Jose Castillo hit a one-out double and advanced to third on a passed ball. Leadoff hitter Angel Rondon hit a towering pop that went lost into the ballpark lights and fell, allowing Castillo to score.

Chinese Taipei tied it in the bottom half of the frame. Pitcher Yu-Hsiang Wang hit a leadoff single. Second baseman Sheng-Rang Wang hit a deep double to the right and scored him from first. Sheng-Rang Wang tied the game on two consecutive bunts.

Sheng-Rang Wang robbed Dennis Quinter a base hit with a runner at third to keep the lead in the top of the third.

Yi-Hau Huang led off the bottom of the third with a double, beating the throw to third on a grounder. After failing a safety-squeeze attempt, Chinese Taipei loaded the bases with one out for Yu-Hsiang Wang. Zamora gets the force out at second on his grounder, and Huang scores the go-ahead run. Right fielder Sheng-Kai Hau singled to make it 4-2.

Reliever Lei Yeh headed to the mound with one out and runners at first and second in the fourth. He got Angel Rondon to ground into an inning-ending double play. He pitched the final two innings allowing only one hit.