(Press Release; WBSC-AMERICAS).- The United States won again in the Opening Round of the World Cup Qualifier to remain undefeated, while Panama and Puerto Rico returned to victory.
The United States maintained their unbeaten record by beating Venezuela 9-4, a game they dominated after scoring three in the third and another three in the fourth to practically seal the win at that point.
Roman Martin went 1-for-3 with three runs scored and three RBIs, while Casey Borba went 2-for-3 with a run scored and four RBIs. Also Talan Bell went 1 for 2 with a run scored.
Puerto Rico returned to the path of victory by beating Peru by the slightest difference 10-9, a game that endured a ferocious offensive by the South Americans in the top of the seventh inning in which they scored four runs.
For the Puerto Ricans, Bryan García stood out, going 3 for 4 with two runs scored and one RBI, Yeriel Figueroa went 1 for 3 with a run scored and two RBIs, and Jabdriel Reyes went 2 for 3 with two runs scored.
Panama also got back on the winning track by beating host Mexico 6-2, after winning their opening game but losing their most recent Opening Round match.
Timely was Ariel Barria's offense by scoring two runs despite not getting a hit in three at-bats, while Angel Moreno went 2 for 3 with two runs scored and an RBI.
(Media Management; WBSC-AMERICAS)