Ramirez leads defending champions Venezuela to opening win over South Africa
Starting pitcher Wikelman Ramirez took a no-hitter into the seventh. The game was tied at zero after three innings.
Defending world champions Venezuela opened the IV WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup with a shutout win against South Africa, 9-0 at Douliu Stadium on Friday.
Carrying a no-hitter into the seventh, Venezuela’s pitcher Wikelman Ramirez only allowed 20 batters before South Africa’s Joshua Wentzel singled up the middle with one out for their first hit of the game. With 11 strike-outs, Ramirez didn’t give the opponent too many opportunities to change the tide.
Early in the game, South Africa performed a fantastic double play, forcing Venezuela to have three quiet innings. South Africa’s starting pitcher Dylan O’Brien even expressed tremendous strength and will power to stay on the mound after he got hit by a single straight into his upper arm.
The momentum seemed with South Africa but starting with Carlos Mendoza’s single down the left field line, Venezuela scored three runs in the fourth. They would add three in the fifth and in the sixth.
Jesus Chirinos stood out. His fourth inning double helped Mendoza land Venezuela's first run and the lead. Chirinos had two hits and two RBIs.
Venezuela will face Japan at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium at 14:30 (local time) on Day 3. While, South Africa will start the day playing against Colombia, which had a day off after Thursday's opening game.
South Africa starting pitcher Dylan O'Brien continued to pitch after being hit by a single straight into his upper arm
Venezuela starting pitcher Wikelman Ramirez carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning
South Africa performed an amazing double play at the top of 1st inning
South Africa enjoyed the vibe of the game and the weather
Venezuela Carlos Mendoza scored the first run of the game
A close safe by Venezuela player
Michael Chirinos scored the last run of the game
Venezuela Jesus Chirinos scored two runs for the team
South Africa left-hander reliever Mohamed Alaoui
South Africa reliever Evan Maritz
Venezuela celebrated after the runs
Venezuela starting pitcher Wikelman Ramirez pointed to the sky before the pitching change