Mexico, Chinese Taipei lead Group A of the U-23 Baseball World Cup

Mexico, Chinese Taipei lead Group A of the U-23 Baseball World Cup
26/09/2021
Mexico and Chinese Taipei lead with a 2-1 record. Cuba and the Dominican Republic are still in the mix for a spot among the top six in the world.

Germany and Cuba have earned their first wins in the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup. Germany beat the Czech Republic, forcing them out of the race for a spot in the super round. Cuba defeated Chinese Taipei and is now in the best position in the race for a spot in the super round.

Germany-Czech Republic 6-4 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE
Cuba- Chinese Taipei 2-1 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE
Mexico-Dominican Republic 8-2 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE

Trailing 6-3, the Czech Republic loaded the bases with no one out in the bottom of the seventh and cut the deficit on a sacrifice fly by second baseman FIlip Smola. The Czechs attempted a double steal on the third strike on Martin Cervenka. German catcher Maurice Bendrien caught Marek Chlup stealing second and gave Germany the first win in the U-23 Baseball World Cup. The decision was appealed and confirmed by on-field review by the umpiring crew.

Bendrien believes that this win doesn't change Germany's expectations: "We still need to play it game by game. We are a developing country, performing at the top level. All we can do is go out there and play hard."

Manager Steve Janssen added: "I'm so happy for my players. The start of this tournament has not been easy for us. I'm really happy they stood up."

Lou Helmig, Danni Grimes and Danny Lankhorst all enjoyued a two-RBI game.

Chinese Taipei starter Yu-min Lin had allowed only two hits when Cuba's designated hitter Yuddiel Gonzalez stepped to the plate in the bottom of the fifth. He was working with a 1-0 lead, that evaporated on a home run to center.

"I was not thinking about a big swing. All I wanted was to put the ball in play," commented Gonzalez after the game. "Fortunately, I got a good pitch to hit and put us ahead. I'm happy I was able to relieve the pressure we felt. I had gone deep earlier in the game. This time I had more luck."

"You cannot blame my pitcher for the only mistake he made," commented Chinese Taipei manager Shih-hsi Wu. "He did overall a good job."

Chinese Taipei suffered the first loss today.
"This game doesn't change anything," added Wu. "We will stick to our plan. Right now, we are only thinking to earn the third win and advance to the super round."

Reliever Naykel Cruz allowed only one hit and a walk in 2.1 innings and earned the save.
"I felt well on the mound. I had a lot of confidence I could maintain the lead. I tried to be smart and not overthrow," commented Cruz.

Cuba now faces Germany and the Czech Republic. Two wins would make it a guarantee to the super round.
"It's no secret that these teams do not have the same talent we have," added Cruz. "Still, it would be a bad mistake to take the field believing it will be easy. We need to make our best effort."

With the score tied at two, the two-RBI double that designated hitter Kevin Zamudio hit in the sixth was a game changer for Mexico.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent my country in a World Cup. Also, I'm happy for the hit that gave us the lead," commented Zamudio.

Mexico followed with four more runs, opening the score.

"We have very good hitters," said manager Jose Reyes. "They can hurt any pitcher. I would see this is the strongest lineup I ever selected for Mexico.

Mexico needs one more win for a spot in the super round.
"Our only problem could be overconfidence," added El Che. "We are good, but we need to stay humble. The Czech Republic showed us that anybody can beat anybody on a given day."

The ten-hit night doesn't overshadow a good outing for Mexico's starting pitcher Alejandro Chavez.

"We did a good job as a team tonight. I played my part. I was ready to take the responsibility of this game, both physically and mentally. I'm glad I gave my team five good innings."

Sunday 26 September-the schedule

10.30 am Cuba @ Germany
3 pm Czech Republic @ Dominican Republic
7.30 pm Chinese Taipei @ Mexico