Cuba and the United States leaders, Venezuela stays alive in the U18 World Cup qualifier

(Nota de Prensa; WBSC AMERICAS BEISBOL).- El Premundial U18 continuó este miércoles con victorias que ratifican a Cuba y Estados Unidos como líderes de grupo, mientras que Puerto Rico lanza su segundo juego sin hits consecutivo y Venezuela vuelve a la vida.

(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL).- The U18 World Cup qualifier continued this Wednesday with victories that confirm Cuba and the United States as group leaders, while Puerto Rico throws its second consecutive no-hitter and Venezuela comes back to life.

First thing in the morning at Rod Carew Stadium, the Puerto Rican team delivered a second consecutive no-hitter by beating Costa Rica 15 to 0. With eight runs in the second inning and seven in the fourth, it was enough for Keniel Miranda, who won by pitching four innings without a hit, with one walk and six strikeouts, Yandiel Reyes completed the no hitter by pitching a scoreless inning with a strikeout.

For its part, Nicaragua improved its record to 3-2 by beating El Salvador by a score of 7 to 0, also a no-hitter. Guillermo Baldelomar threw five scoreless innings with a walk and eight strikeouts for the victory, Kevin Bermudez completed by throwing two scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

Mexico also leveled its record at 3-3 by beating the Dominican Republic 11-2, highlighted by Francisco Pérez who went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and one RBI. While José Verdugo went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

Venezuela came back to life by beating Brazil 2 to 1 in extra innings as a result of a wild pitch that gave them the victory. Yoscar Castillo took the win by relieving in 2.1 innings in which he allowed no hits or runs with two strikeouts.

Cuba remained at the top of its group by finishing unbeaten in six games with a 3-0 shutout victory against Canada. Three pitchers combined for the shutout, with César Morales the winner by working five innings, allowing one hit, no runs, two strikeouts and two walks.

Finally, the United States remained undefeated by beating Panama 5-0. Nico Partida scored the victory by pitching four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, with three walks and one strikeout. Gavin Fien went 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)