Kenedy Corona’s homer powers Venezuela’s 4-2 win over Puerto Rico
Kenedy Corona went deep in the first and scored two. Puerto Rico fired up in the last inning, but their comeback came just short as Venezuela took the game 4-2.
Kenedy Corona hit a solo homer to deep left centre that put Venezuela ahead in first, boosting their drive to score three more in the succeeding frames for the 4-2 win over Puerto Rico on Saturday in the last Placement Round game at the IV WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup.
After Corona's home run, Carlos Mendoza reached on a walk, stole second and third, and scored on an error, giving Venezuela a 2-0 lead in the second.
Corona then added another run in the third, where he walked, reached third on an error and scored off Amador Arias double to left centre. Arias eventually scored the fourth run for Venezuela.
Puerto Rico had a very good chance in the seventh. After one of Venezuela’s relievers, Michele Vassalotti, allowed a walk and a hit. Venezuela handed the ball to Jose Guzman, who also allowed walked a batter to load the bases.
Misael Gonzalez scored Puerto Rico's first run, and Glenn Santiago made it 4-2, but Venezuela managed to get out of the jam off a double play.
Venezuela finished the Placement Round with a 4-1 record, while Puerto Rico finished with 3-2.
Venezuela starting pitcher Anthony Escobar
Puerto Rico starting pitcher Gabriel Cotto
Puerto Rico player discussed tactics with the coach before the game
Venezuela Kenedy Corona hit a homer in the first
Venezuela Kenedy Corona celebrated with teammates after he scored the second run
Puerto Rico players had fun at the dugout
Venezuela Amador Arias high-fived with teammates after he scored a run
