United States and Panama advance to the Medal Round of the U12 World Cup Qualifier

(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL) - The U12 World Cup in Panama has qualified the United States and Panama to the Medal Round, waiting for the opponents of the other group.

The United States continued its dominant path with a 5-0 shutout victory over Colombia and a 7-0 win over Ecuador, remaining undefeated so far in the Opening Round.

Against Colombia, Jack Mattingly stood out, with 3.2 innings pitched allowing just one hit, no runs and three strikeouts. While against Ecuador it was pitcher Ethan Palacios who in 4.2 innings stood out by allowing no hits and no runs with eight strikeouts.

Cuba defeated Brazil by shutout 4 to 0 with an exceptional work of Rydel Perez who pitched six innings to win, no-hit game, with seven strikeouts. Cuba then beat Puerto Rico 10 to 5 with Alex Batista hitting 2-2 with two home runs, three runs scored and five runs batted in to move into the standings.

Puerto Rico also took a key step by beating Venezuela 7 to 3 with Jayden Richardson as the best hitter going 2-2 with a home run, three runs scored, one run batted in and two runs batted in.

The Dominican Republic maintained its undefeated record by beating Argentina 10 to 2, with Abrahan Florián going 3-2 with home run, run scored and five runs to lead his team to victory.

Mexico defeated Ecuador 24 to 3 with Carlos Cruz as the best player, hitting 5-5 with a home run, five runs scored and five runs batted in to lead Mexico to another victory in the tournament.

Finally, Panama advanced to the next round with a 6-3 victory over Nicaragua, with Wilfredo Bonilla, going 2-1 with a home run, two runs scored and three runs batted in, playing a key role in the game.

Panama and the United States have their ticket to the Medal Round, while the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Venezuela are fighting for two spots in Group B.

(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)