Panama qualifies the United States, Cuba and Puerto Rico to the U18 Baseball World Cup

(Nota de Prensa; WBSC AMERICAS BEISBOL).- El Premundial determinó ya a sus participantes, Estados Unidos, Cuba y Puerto Rico vencieron en sus duelos de cuartos de final, que junto a la victoria de Panamá, se convierten en los cuatro clasificados por América al Mundial de la categoría.

(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL).- The World Cup has already determined its participants, the United States, Cuba and Puerto Rico won their quarterfinal duels, which together with the victory of Panama, become the four classified nations for America to the World Cup of the category.

Panama sealed its place as host of the tournament, but showed that it would have qualified under any circumstances by reaching the semifinals and automatically giving the pass to the other three nations.

Panama shutout Nicaragua 4-0, relying on the MVP of the game, Dereck Gómez, who pitched a complete game to victory, allowing no runs with ten strikeouts.

Puerto Rico also relied on its starter to beat Canada 4 to 2 at Juan Arosemena Stadium. Ángel Cruz led the team by winning the game, working seven innings, with six hits, one earned run and six strikeouts.

Cuba also dominated Venezuela, at the brink of a no-hitter. Adiel Ponce put his team in the semifinals by working a complete game for the victory, allowing two hits and a run (all in the last inning) with four strikeouts..

Also early in the day, the United States beat Mexico 1-0, relying on the pitching gem of Aidan Stillman who pitched six scoreless innings, allowing just one hit with four strikeouts.

The semifinals will be this Saturday at the Rod Carew Stadium, at 9:30 am the United States receives Puerto Rico and at 7 pm Panama will be the visitor against Cuba for the places to the final.

(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)