Venezuela’s starting pitcher Carlos Naveda was solid on the mound as he went five innings with four strikes and allowed only one hit and a walk to power Venezuela's 3-0 win over the Netherlands in the first game of the Placement Round of the IV WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup at the Dou-Liou Stadium.
After five games in the opening round, each team carried their results from the opening round to the second phase.
Venezuela have already lost their chance to defend their title, but still showed their grit to win as they started the game with a walk from the Netherlands' Jayden Gonesh, followed by a hit and another walk. The first inning ended with Carlos Mendoza scoring on a balk, giving Venezuela a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the second, Cesar Ortega hit into a double play, and World No. 8 the Netherlands showcased excellent defensive skills at second and third base.
Venezuela scored their second run with Jeferson Morales, who doubled to left centre and scored on a single by Mendoza and an error.
Amador Arias walked in the bottom of the third, reached third on Jesus Chirinos’ single and scored what would be the last run by Venezuela while another Dutch double play was taking place.
Venezuela’s starting pitcher Carlos Naveda, who started his second game after pitching against Japan in the opening round, went five innings, striking out four and allowing one hit and one walk.
After the win, Venezuela now have a 3-0 record and are on top of the Placement Round.
On Friday, Venezuela will open the day against Cuba at 11.00 local time, while the Netherlands will face South Africa at 14.00.
