Taipei City. The second edition of the 12U Baseball World Cup in Taipei City commenced play with six games on Thursday. It saw 12 of the 14 teams in action and the official opening ceremony at Tien-Mou Stadium. The Philippines and Russia will enter the competition on Friday.
In the morning the duel between USA and Panama set the bar high for the rest of the tournament, as both played at the same level and showing great defensive plays. Mexico came back against Italy to continue its undefeated streak during round-robin play. Additionally Korea showed off its bats in a blowout over Pakistan.
In the afternoon Japan and Venezuela celebrated lopsided victories over European Champion Czech Republic respective Hong Kong. Defending champion Chinese Taipei started its campaign with a shutout over Brazil in the night game.
Mexico 6 – Italy 3
Italy scored three times in the top of the first, but Mexico answered and prevailed 6-3 in the end. After finishing the first round at the 2011 12U Baseball World Cup, they remain undefeated during round robin play. Kevin Garcia went 3-for-3 with two RBI at the plate and also pitched a scoreless inning on the mound.
USA 2 – Panama 0
Team USA used a pair of sac flies and a complete game shutout by Justin Campbell to down Panama 2-0. For both teams it was their debut in tournament history. It was a showcase for baseball in the 12U category, as players turned a couple of defensive web gems.
Korea 23 – Pakistan 0
Korea had not much mercy with underdog Pakistan, which also made its debut in the 12U Baseball World Cup. The Asian baseball powerhouse scored all 23 runs of their 23-0 win in the first, getting led by Jun Ho Kim and Hyo Bin Ahn.
Japan 15 – Czech Republic 0
The reigning European Champion Czech Republic only was able to shut down the Japanese offense in the first two frames, as Team Nippon celebrated a 15-0 shutout. Taiyo Ueda collected four hits in four at-bats. Shota Sawamura struck out nine in four no-hit innings.
Hong Kong 0 – Venezuela 24
Manuel Colorado headed Venezuela 24-0 win over Hong Kong. He struck out eight in four no-hit innings and also provided parts of his run support, collected three runs and three RBI at the plate. Jose Zapata had three hits and three RBI.
Chinese Taipei 10 – Brazil 0
In the evening Chinese Taipei made a statement by defeating Brazil 10-0 in their campaign to defend the title at the 12U Baseball World Cup. Two pitchers combined in a one-hitter, allowing just a first-inning double. Five runs in the first three innings and five in the fifth alone turned the contest in a lopsided affair.
Schedule
Friday, July 19, 2013
10:00 Philippines – Japan (Shing-Sheng)
10:00 Pakistan – USA (Youth Park)
10:00 Mexico – Brazil (Tien-Mou)
14:00 Panama – Korea (Tien-Mou)
14:00 Venezuela – Russia (Youth Park)
18:30 Czech Republic – Chinese Taipei (Tien-Mou)
