Puerto Rico to the final, Nicaragua and Venezuela seek the U23 World Cup Medal Round

(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)