Cuba vs. the United States and the Dominican Republic vs. Panama in the U12 World Cup Qualifier semifinals

(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL) - The U12 World Cup Qualifier in Panama has defined its world cup bound teams, now at stake is the gold medal and the champion's trophy for the four teams that advanced.

The United States, Cuba and the Dominican Republic will accompany Panama to the World Cup, and will compete for the final, in search of the gold medal and the champion's trophy.

The Opening Round culminated with Mexico's 2-0 victory over Colombia, in which Yadier Chacón won the player of the game with his 5.1 innings of work in which he tolerated three hits, no runs and six strikeouts.

Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic beat Puerto Rico 10-1 in a game in which Ángel García went 3-2 with a home run, two runs scored and four runs batted in.

Nicaragua shutout Ecuador 5-0 with great work by Jhon Quedo who in six innings tolerated one hit, no runs, with one walk and four strikeouts, but also batted 3-1 with two runs batted in.

Cuba narrowly beat Venezuela 4-3 with Alexandro Martinez's four innings of work to win the game with a walk and two strikeouts.

Brazil shutout Argentina 10-0 with Diogo De Souza in a three-inning shutout with no hits allowed, six strikeouts and no runs conceded.

Finally, the United States beat Panama 7-0 in a game in which Miles Lockridge threw six scoreless innings with no runs and five strikeouts.

That sets the table for Friday's semifinals, at 9:30am at Rod Carew Stadium Cuba visits the United States and then at 12:30pm Panama visits the Dominican Republic.

Meanwhile in the Classification Round at the Andy Alonso Stadium at 8:30am Ecuador will face Argentina, at 10:30am it will be Colombia visiting Brazil, at 12:30pm it will be Venezuela visiting Nicaragua and ending at 2:30pm Puerto Rico visiting Mexico.

(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)