(Press Release; WBSC-AMERICAS).- The U23 World Cup Qualifier concluded its Opening Round with the four national teams reaching the U23 World Cup and therefore, the medal games.
Nicaragua and Colombia were undefeated in their respective groups and will fight for the gold medal, while Puerto Rico and Venezuela will accompany them in the World Cup and will play for the bronze medal.
Curacao beat Costa Rica 3 to 1 to end the tournament with a victory, leaving its rival winless.
For Curacao, Arlinson Rodríguez stood out, pitching six innings in which he allowed two hits, an unearned run and three strikeouts to score the victory, Joshua Barendregt threw a scoreless inning with a strikeout for the save.
Colombia remained undefeated by beating Venezuela 3 to 1, reaching the gold medal game.
Manuel Rumbos won the game for Colombia, allowing two hits, one unearned run, one walk and five strikeouts in five innings. Jorge Puerta went 1-for-2 with an RBI.
Puerto Rico defeated Dominican Republic 13 to 7 in a Caribbean ball classic to finish with a positive record and reach the bronze medal game.
Jankel Ortiz stood out again by going 1 for 4 with three runs scored and three RBIs, Edgardo Villegas went 1 for 3 with two runs scored and two RBIs.
Panama defeated Cuba 15 to 11 and that final score was enough for Venezuela to advance to the World Cup and Medal Round, despite their defeat.
For Panama, Erasmo Caballero stood out offensively, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and five RBIs, while Julio González went 3-for-4 with three runs scored and four RBIs.
To end the day, Nicaragua also remained undefeated by beating Mexico 6-2 and securing its place in the gold medal game.
Freddvil Chevez went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs, while Roger Leyton went 3-for-4 with a run scored and three RBIs. The victory went to Keny Cruz, who in three innings allowed two hits, two earned runs, one walk and three strikeouts.
Nicaragua and Colombia will play for the gold medal, while Puerto Rico and Venezuela will play for the bronze medal, all of them are qualified for the World Cup in China for 2024.
(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)
