Venezuela and Panama with victories for America in the Opening Round of the Premier12

(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL).- The teams of Venezuela and Panama triumphed for America in the Premier12 to take another step towards the Super Round in Japan.

Panama beat the group host in Guadalajara 3-2, coming from behind to tie the score at two in the fourth and take the definitive lead in the eighth to put its record at 2-1.

For Panama, Carlos Quiroz drove in two runs despite going hitless in three at-bats, while Alberto Baldonado pitched a scoreless inning with a strikeout to secure the save.

Panama still has to play against the United States and Puerto Rico seeking a place in the Super Round of the Premier12 in its first participation in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Venezuela beat the United States 5-3 at the Coloso del Pacífico stadium in Tepic and now, like Panama, with a 2-1 record.

Mario Sánchez worked six innings in which he allowed just two runs (one earned) with three hits received, no walks and ten strikeouts, to take the victory in the game.

Oddanier Mosqueda entered with bases loaded and one out in the ninth inning, to strike out both rivals he faced and complete the Venezuelan victory that allows them to take one step closer to Japan.

Venezuela still has to play against Puerto Rico and the Netherlands at home, seeking a place in the Super Round.

(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)