Puerto Rico defeated Mexico, 4-2, in the finale of the Central American and Caribbean Games Barranquilla 2018 and claimed the Gold Medal in the Women’s Softball competition. A two-run home run off the bat of Aleshia Ocasio in the eighth inning clinched the game for the champions.
Puerto Rico won two games in a row tonight to earn the gold medal in the regional Games. And they did it with a stellar performance by left handed pitcher Meghan King, who claimed the two wins.
In the Bronze Medal Game Puerto Rico beat Cuba by a score of 4-0. King pitched a 2-hit shutout, with 6 strikeouts, to advance to the finale.
In the Gold Medal Game, Mexico and Puerto Rico finished the seventh inning tied at 2. A bases loaded, 2-RBI single by Aleimalee Lopez, in the top of the third, gave the lead to Puerto Rico. But in the bottom of the same inning a 2-RBI double by Brigette Del Ponte tied the game.
In the extra inning Ocasio hit a home run to take the lead, and King closed the door, giving Puerto Rico its first Gold Medal in 25 years. The left handed fanned 3 in 3.1 innings of work.
Dallas Escobedo pitched eight innings for Mexico, with 8 strikeouts, and was charged with the loss.
Final standings
- Puerto Rico
- Mexico
- Cuba
- Venezuela
- Dominican Republic
- Curacao
- Colombia
Tomorrow begins the Men’s Softball competition in Barranquilla 2018.
