Mexico won its fourth straight game to close out group play on Monday night, downing Germany 3-1 at Estadio Yaquis in Ciudad Obregon.
All of Mexico’s offense came in the bottom of the first inning - before an out had been recorded. Fabricio Macias greeted German starter Patrick Harrison with a triple. Reivaj Garcia followed with an RBI single to open the scoring. After two walks loaded the bases, Agustin Ruiz plated two with a double to the gap in right-center.
"It was my first at-bat, and I stepped up to produce runs for the team. Thank God I succeeded," commented Ruiz.
Harrison settled down and retired three straight, but the damage had been done.
Mexico’s
starter Adrian Leo cruised through his four innings of work, allowing four
singles and striking out four without issuing a walk. Three relievers
combined to preserve the victory.
Nikolas
Gobert starred on the mound for Germany, tossing three hitless innings in
relief of Harrison, and Simon Liedtke followed with two scoreless innings of
his own.
Mexico
recorded just one hit after the big first inning, and Germany finished the game
outhitting Mexico eight to four. Pascal Amon led his squad with a 2-for-3
night.
The Germans will stay in Ciudad Obregon for the Placement Round, while Mexico travels north to Hermosillo for the Super Round. Both will be back in action on Wednesday.
