Mexico come from behind to beat Colombia

Mexico come from behind to beat Colombia
20/10/2022
Colombia took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the fifth but a wrong move to the bullpen, swung the momentum to Mexico. The World No. 4 now have 2-1 record in the Super Round after a big comeback in the fifth inning.

World No. 4 Mexico rallied in the fifth inning, scoring three runs to snatch the 4-3 comeback win against Colombia in the Super Round of the IV WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup.

On Thursday Colombia looked almost perfect for the first half of the game, showcasing aggressive baseball and took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the fifth. However, the game took a downturn when their bullpen missed on a pair of bases-loaded walks and a wild pitch, allowing Mexico to score the three runs that swung the lead in their favour.

Both teams started with an aggressive approach to the game, as their managers adapting to the international baseball seven-inning games.

Colombia's Bryan Buelvas led the game with a double on the first pitch by Mexican starter Alemao Hernandez, and their leadoff hitter singled on the third pitch by Colombian starter Hernando Mejia.

Colombia manufactured runs in similar fashion in the second and the third innings, where leadoff hitters Branley Jaraba and Hector Martinez reached through base hits, advanced on sacrifice bunts and scored on groundouts.

Mexico tried the same against Carlos De Avila in the second, but second baseman Javier Sanchez was tagged for the out by catcher Jair Camargo after taking off from third late on a bunt by centre fielder Elmer Lopez.

Mexico were trailing 3-1, but managed to win the game in the bottom of the fifth, as reliever Jose Altamiranda walked the first batter he faced. With one out, Mexico loaded the bases on a base hit by catcher Brandon Valenzuela and an error. Then scored the tying runs on back-to-back walks.

Colombia made another call to the bullpen, but reliever Dahan Batista allowed Mexico the go-ahead run on a wild pitch, while Nestor Anguamea pitched two perfect innings to protect the Mexican lead.

Mexico are now 2-1 in the Super Round and will close Day 2 facing World No. 2 and hosts Chinese Taipei on Friday at 19.00 local time, while Colombia dropped to 0-3 and will face Australia at 10.00.