Venezuela is cruising through Group B of the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup, but the race into the Super Round is wide open.
Panama-Korea 5-2 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE
Colombia-Netherlands 10-0 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE
Venezuela-Nicaragua 6-3 GAME REPORT BOX SCORE
Korea got to Panama's starter Antonio Frias in the top of the first. The Faulkner University senior wouldn't allow another run in 4.1 innings of work.
"He did his job," said manager Cristobal Giron. "I expect my starters to give us 4, 5 good innings. What I always tell them is that as far as they keep us in the game, we have a chance to win."
Panama reversed the lead in the bottom half of the frame.
"It would have been a different game without our reaction," added Giron. "Korea is a team that can hurt you both with their power and the small ball."
Second baseman Adrian Montero led Panama's offense going 3-for-4. Third baseman Joshwan Wright went 2-for-2 with 2 RBIs.
"After the first game," said Giron on a final note, "I spoke to the team and said that we needed to look at more pitches to give more quality to our at-bats."
Panama is in excellent position to advance to the super round, while Korea is in on the verge of elimination.
Colombia was still thinking of a close game when they advanced a runner on a sacrifice bunt in the top of the fourth. Seven runs and six hits later, the score was open.
"I know what these players are capable of," commented manager Jose Mosquera. "I also know that in a short tournament like there's no guarantee the hitters can play up to expectations. In the first couple of games, we chased a lot of pitches out of the strike zone. Tonight we had better at-bats."
Colombia's hitters took a good look at a number of pitches and managed to work three walks. One of the six hits was a two-run home run by right fielder Jesus Marriaga, a 23-year old former minor leaguer with the Atlanta Braves.
The game was called after six innings due to the run-difference rule.
Juan Fernandez hit a home run, a double and batted in three runs, setting the tone for the third win by Venezuela. Fernandez hit eight home runs at Double-A for the San Diego Padres of MLB.
"I was looking for a fastball, and I got a fastball inside," explained Fernandez. "I wanted to make a good contact, and thank God I took it deep."
"We feel good about being unbeaten," added Fernandez. "There's no change of plan, though. We want to keep winning."
Nicaragua never gave up, and Venezuela handed the ball to closer Carlos Valero for the final four outs.
Valero praised the chemistry in the clubhouse: "We came together as a team. We are well aware we are representing our country and we aim high."
Saturday 26 September-the schedule
Netherlands @ Panama
Nicaragua @ Colombia
Korea @ Venezuela
