(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL) - In the U23 World Cup the teams from the Americas
continue to be protagonists, Puerto Rico beat Korea 3 to 1 to secure their
place in the final and although Nicaragua lost to Japan 9 to 1 and Venezuela 6
to 5 against China, they still have a chance to compete for the bronze medal.
Puerto
Rico came out on top in a close duel in which they defeated Korea 3-1,
responding with three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Agnel
Miranda pitched six innings in which he tolerated one hit, one earned run, one walk
and two strikeouts to get secure the win, while Alejandro Gonzalez got the save
by throwing a shutout inning.
Meanwhile,
Nicaragua could not defeat Japan, the 9-1 loss leaves them out of the final,
but they will try to get into the game for the bronze medal. Angel Canales took
the loss by throwing 1.2 innings in which he tolerated three runs (two earned),
with four hits, one walk and three strikeouts. The only run driven in was
courtesy of Odlanyer Matamoros.
On
the other hand, Venezuela fell in a tight duel against the host of the
tournament China by 6 to 5, jeopardizing its chance to advance to the Medal
Round. Lewis Castillo went 1-for-4 with a run batted in.
Venezuela
must beat Puerto Rico in its last game and if Nicaragua wins against China,
both would be in the Medal Round and would ensure a podium with three teams
from the Americas.
Finally,
Colombia got its first victory of the Qualifying Round by beating South Africa
12-3. For Colombia, Nolan Beltrán went 1-for-2 with a run scored and three runs
batted in, Jean Henao went 1-for-3 with a run scored and three runs batted in.
Venezuela
closes as a visitor against Puerto Rico, Nicaragua as a home club against
tournament host China, and Colombia closes as a visitor against the Netherlands
in the Qualifying Round.
(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)
