(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL) - The U23 World Cup continued with Nicaragua and Venezuela advancing to the Super Round of the tournament, while Puerto Rico is one step away. Colombia is out of the next phase.
Venezuela defeated and snatched the undefeated streak from Korea by beating them by a score of 8 to 4. This game ended up being key, since Nicaragua's victory over the Netherlands gave the Venezuelans the ticket to the next round.
Lewis Castillo was outstanding on offense, batting 2-for-5 with a run scored and three runs batted in, while Pedro Martinez went 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored and Gilbert Medina went 1-for-2 with a run scored and a run batted in, in addition to two walks.
Nicaragua maintained its undefeated record and also advanced to the Super Round by defeating the Netherlands by a 1-0 shutout. That result allowed Venezuela to qualify.
For Nicaragua, Samuel Guadamuz started the game and in 5.2 innings allowed only three hits, no runs, with one walk and seven strikeouts. Jared Albir got the win in a 1.1 inning of relief in which he allowed no liberties.
Puerto Rico got one step closer to the Super Round by beating the tournament host China 8 to 4. This game allows them to qualify directly if they beat their next opponent.
For Puerto Rico, Luis González was outstanding on offense, batting 3-for-3 with five runs batted in, while Edgardo Villegas scored four runs, received three walks and went 1-for-1.
Finally, Colombia was knocked out of the Super Round after losing 7-1 to Japan. The defeat makes it impossible for them to aspire to advance. Carlos Arroyo went 1-for-2 with the team's only run, scored by Dario Borrero who went 2-for-3.
Venezuela closes against Chinese Taipei, while Nicaragua plays its undefeated streak against Korea. On the other hand, Puerto Rico qualifies directly to the Super Round if they beat Colombia.
(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)
