Nicaragua, Venezuela and Puerto Rico debut with victories in the U23 World Cup

(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL).- The U23 Baseball World Cup being held in China began with victories from the American continent, Nicaragua beat South Africa 8-1, Venezuela beat the Netherlands 10-9 and Puerto Rico conquered Japan with a score of 6-1.

Only Colombia lost, which was defeated by Australia 4-2 in a game in which after taking a 2-1 lead in the first inning, they could not hold on to that difference.

For Colombia, Jorge Puerta went 2-for-3 and brought in both runs for his team, on the mound David Burgos took the loss, allowing two hits and two unearned runs in one third of an inning.

Meanwhile, Nicaragua beat South Africa 8-1, Odlanyer Matamoros went 3-for-4 with a run scored and three RBIs, while Joey Sinclair went 1-for-1 with three runs scored and two walks.

Venezuela came back to beat the Netherlands 10-9, Gilbert Medina went 1-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBIs to stand out offensively.

Finally, Puerto Rico beat world number one Japan by a score of 6-1, a game that catapults them on the way to qualifying. Johan Laboy allowed just one hit, no runs, despite five walks and two strikeouts in four innings to secure the win. While Luis Gonzalez went 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs.

Venezuela faces Nicaragua on the road in a duel of teams from the Americas, while Colombia will be home club against Great Britain and Puerto Rico on the road against Australia in the continuation of the U23 Baseball World Cup that is taking place in China.

(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)