Spectacular defence lifts United States past Venezuela

World No. 2 United States earned their fourth win in the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, defeating No. 6 Venezuela 4-1.

The defending World Champions combined only four hits but capitalised on every scoring chance. Their defence limited Venezuela to three hits through several world-class plays.

Carlos Garces and Elaineiker Coronado hit back-to-back singles to lead off the game, but Venezuela could not capitalise on runners at third and second and not one out. USA starter Levi Sterling retired the side in order to end the at-bat.

The US took the lead in the bottom of the first. With runners at second and first and one out, Venezuela failed to execute an inning-ending double play on Konnor Griffin's grounder. Coy James scored on the error.

The defending World Champions extended their lead in the bottom of the third. Shortstop Manuelle Marin singled, stole second and touched home on consecutive wild pitches.

A second run scored on Griffin's towering fly to right field. Breyson Guedez ran it down, but the ball was deep enough to result in a sacrifice fly. Brian Fernandez balked to extend the USA lead to 4-0.

Venezuela got on the scoreboard in the top of the sixth. Reliever John Mc Kernan allowed back-to-back and two-out walks, and Francisco Rivero made the most of those with an RBI single up the middle. Joseph Oakie struck out Guedez to end the at-bat.

Oakie hit Esmeiquel Arrieche with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, and the US handed the ball to Noah Franco. The left-hander worked the count full against Elaineiker Coronado, then needed the help of a brilliant diving catch by centre fielder Derek Curiel to end the game.

The United States finished group play with a 4-1 record and will start from 1-1 in the Super Round. Venezuela (1-4) will compete in the Placement Round and begin with a 1-1 record.