30/07/2023 1 Minute Read

Francys Sandoval throws complete game as Venezuela outscore Australia in four

As the first and only girl on the team, Francys Dayana Sandoval is proud of herself and happy for pitching a complete game. The WBSC will meet her for a feature story.

Venezuela’s starting pitcher Francys Sandoval threw a complete game, striking out eight and leading Venezuela to a 19-2 win in four innings over Australia at the 2023 WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup.

From the very first pitch, Venezuela was restless with the whole lineup going at-bat, giving the team an 8-0 lead. The inning ended with a great play by Australian pitcher Jakob Cruz.

Dennis Quintero hit a lead-off home run to deep left field to start the top of the second, and Venezuela scored four more runs, extending the lead to 13-0 before Australia’s fielders performed a brilliant double play to end the inning.

Venezuela scored five more runs. In the bottom of the third, Australia scored their first run in the game with Zavier Leigh’s double to left center, sending Bodhi Evans back home.

While Venezuela ended their fourth with one run, Australia tried to score more. Jacob Tayler reached on the pitcher’s throwing error and ended on second. Later, with the teamwork of Litsu Tamura’s ground-out and Archer Petersen’s single through the left side, Tayler scored Australia’s second run for the game.

Sandoval used 66 pitches for the complete game, striking out eight, only allowing four hits. She’s the first and only girl representing Venezuela in the U-12 Baseball World Cup. She was selected for her excellent pitching.

With two wins in hand, Venezuela is now Group A's leader, and they will play against Japan on Monday. Australia will face Mexico on Day 4.