07/09/2023 1 Minute Read

Venezuelan pitchers strike out seven, shut out Mexico

Mexico matched the Venezuelan lineup at five hits, their staff struck out eight but got beaten by four walks in the top of the third.

Venezuelan pitchers combined for seven strikeouts to help record a 5-2 win against Mexico in their first game in the Placement Round of the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup on Thursday.

In the top of the third, Breyson Guedez’s sacrifice fly to centre field drove in Cristian Arguelles, giving Venezuela a 1-0 lead.

Venezuela loaded the bases in the top of the fourth with three walks and earned a run on another walk. Right after, Esmeiquel Arrieche hit a two-RBI single to left centre, sending Randy Soto and Anderson Tovar back home and extending the lead to 4-0.

In the top of the sixth, Arguelles singled up the middle, driving in Soto’s run and adding one more run to the scoreboard, 5-0. Venezuela then loaded the bases again with two walks and one hit by pitch, but Mexico’s reliever, Jonathan Miranda, got out of the jam.

Mexico did not give up. In the bottom of the seventh, Angel Ramirez doubled to right field, sending Juan Alva and Ichiro Cano home, and cutting the gap to 5-2.

XXXI WBSC U-18 BWC Day 8-Placement Round VEN v MEX

Venezuela landed their first win in the Placement Round and now have a 2-1 record, while Mexico are still winless. On Friday, 8 September, Mexico will play the first game of the day against No. 3 Mexico. Venezuela will play against No. 9 Australia to close the day.