Puerto Rico announce 20-player roster for Women's Baseball World Cup Group B

The Puerto Rican Baseball Federation (FBPR) announced its 20-player roster for the IX Women's Baseball World Cup Group B presented by CARNEXT.

"I'm delighted with the selection," commented manager Carlos Ferrer. "We have pitching depth, thanks to three position players who can also take the mound. The girls are at the top of their condition."

The roster includes captain Adrix Paradiso and veteran Lisandra Berrios, who has represented Puerto Rico in every event since FBPR launched a women's baseball programme in 2009. Yahelis Muñoz, Mileyshka Soto, Gabriela Vélez and Ashley Moreira are the rookies.

"We want to make the World Championship round next year, so we need to be at our best against France, Venezuela and Cuba," said Ferrer on a final note.

Miyoshi City, Japan, will host the IX Women's Baseball World Cup-Group B from 13 to 17 September.

World No. 1 Japan, No. 2 Chinese Taipei, No. 5 Venezuela, No. 7 Cuba, No. 9 Puerto Rico and No. 16 France are the participants.

The top-two finishers will advance to the Finals in 2024. The hosts, Japan, are guaranteed a Wild Card. If Japan finish in the top two spots, the third-place finisher will advance to the next phase.

World No. 4 USA, No. 3 Canada and No. 12 Mexico booked a spot in the Finals, which are scheduled for 2024 in Thunder Bay, Canada, out of Group A.