Honduras closes in on Nicaragua, Guatemala and Costa Rica leveled in the Central American qualifier

(Press Release; WBSC-AMERICAS).- The Central American Qualifying tournament enters its decisive stretch, the victory of Honduras allows them to get closer to the top, while Guatemala levels with Costa Rica.

Honduras erased early a 0-1 deficit to beat Costa Rica 6-1 closing in on Nicaragua in the standings. Meanwhile Costa Rica and Guatemala tie in the standings and they will face each other this Thursday.

Juan Girón was dominant, in eight innings he allowed four hits with two walks, he gave up an unearned run and struck out six for the win. Denis Diaz capped off the game by pitching a scoreless inning with a strikeout despite three walks.

Offensively, Lombardo Padilla went 4-for-5 with two RBIs, while Maycol Escobar went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and Kevin Reyes went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

Guatemala also came from behind and finally, with a run in the eighth inning, was able to beat El Salvador 3-2 to tie with Costa Rica in the tournament standings.

Marco Lemus' offense was key, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while his teammate Sean Marte went 2-for-4 with a run scored and another RBI. Fabián Vizcaino also stood out, going 1-3 with a run scored and two walks.

On Thursday Costa Rica and Guatemala will have a decisive duel for their aspirations to become champions, while the leader of the standings Nicaragua will be home club against El Salvador, team that needs to win.

(Media Management; WBSC-AMERICAS)