Jose Chirinos struck out 11 in a complete-game effort to help Venezuela bounce back from yesterday’s loss against New Zealand and secure a 5-2 win over Israel on Day 3 of the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup.
The right-handed pitcher gave up three hits, two runs and a walk to collect his first win in the circle this tournament.
Venezuela scored twice in the first inning, after four defensive errors by Israel in the top of the first.
Both teams scored two runs in the fourth. Jose Leon with a bases-loaded walk and Angel Adames with a single for Venezuela. Israel answered with a two-run double off the bat of Bar-Arie Shrim to make it 4-2.
Venezuela grabbed a three-run lead in the seventh, when Yeison Diaz knocked in Jesus Gimenez with a single to centre field.
Venezuela moved to 2-1 in Group B, while Israel suffered their third loss in as many games.
