The defending champions made easy work of powerhouse Dominican Republic, who are playing in their first-ever U-12 Baseball World Cup.

Venezuela scored early and looked in control through the whole game. Juan Perez went five innings for the win, and David Vabalas had three of Venezuela's seven hits.

Mexico took the lead three times, and the US always came back. Pinch hitters Matos (home run) and Ramon Carlin (a base hit) turned the game around in the bottom of the sixth.

Czechia's first win of the tournament keeps their hopes alive for being one of the top teams in the Placement Round.

The Super Round teams are set with Dominican Republic (3-1) knocking out Japan (1-3) and helping Korea (2-2) to enter the next and most challenging phase of the tournament. Dominican Republic's win helped avoid a three-way tie for final two spots in the Super Round.

The Government of Tainan treated nine participating teams to visit the city's attractions and taste the local cuisine.

"It's been great so far. I think I'm learning a lot," the 12-year-old left-hander told the WBSC. "I want to play baseball as long as I can." Her teammate Anita Bissa also took the mound on the final day of group play.

Chinese Taipei and Venezuela finished second and third in group A. The result of the Japan-Dominican Republic game will determine the final two super round spots out of group B.

Chinese Taipei will enter the Super Round with a 1-1 record. Italy will continue play in the Placement Round.

The left fielder hits a grand slam and a three-run homer and contributed with seven RBIs in the 8-5 win.