Panama thrive on early lead, outscore Venezuela

World No. 11 Panama opened their U-18 Baseball World Cup run with a 13-4 win against No. 6 Venezuela. A five-run first at-bat proved crucial. Despite an excellent offensive effort that resulted in ten hits, Venezuela never came closer than two runs.

Panama also had ten hits. First baseman Julio Casas, catcher Josè Bernal, and left fielder Yeremi Sanchez combined for seven.

Venezuela starter Sebastian Sanchez retired the game's first batter. He allowed back-to-back hits by centre fielder Edwin Walden and designated hitter Hector Rayo. The first run was scored on a wild pitch. Yeremi Sanchez singled to make it 2-0, and third baseman Dima Oda cleared the bases with an inside-the-park home run to make it 5-0.

Venezuela got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first, thanks to a pair of defensive errors. However, they could not make the most of the situation as first baseman Randy Soto hit into an inning-ending double play.

Soto helped Venezuela cut the gap to 6-3 with a two-RBI and bases-loaded single against starter Benjamin Gonzalez. They added a run in the bottom of the fourth against reliever Efrain Cubilla. Third baseman Francisco Rivero turned his third pitch in a leadoff double and advanced to third on a flyout. Catcher Esmeichel Arrieche singled to make it 6-4.

Dereck Gomez got Panama out of the fourth and then left for Kelvin Contreras, who would take care of the final nine outs.

Panama scored two insurance runs in the top of the fifth. Bernal doubled off Oscar Melgarejo to make it 7-4, and another run scored on a wild pitch. Casas (double) and Bermal (triple) took care of putting Panaam out of reach in the top of the seventh.

Venezuela will open Day 3 against No. 7 Netherlands, while Panama will face No.1 Japan in the final game of Group B.