Venezuela and Puerto Rico open with victories for America in the Premier12

(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL).- The American teams went out to compete in the Premier12 and immediately Venezuela and Puerto Rico struck first in the tournament.

Venezuela defeated the host of the Group México in Guadalajara, the 8-4 victory was led by pitcher Ricardo Pinto who won the game by pitching five innings in which he allowed three hits, with three walks and six strikeouts.

Venezuela's offense was catapulted by Diego Castillo who went 2-for-5 with a run scored and two RBIs, in addition to Jermaine Palacios who went 2-for-5 with two home runs, two runs scored and two RBIs.

Puerto Rico also debuted with a victory against another team from America, in this case against the United States, which they shutout 1-0.

Seven pitchers combined to shutout the United States, Raymond Burgos won in relief for 1.1 innings in which he allowed one hit and struck out one, while Luis Cruz saved the game in two thirds of an inning.

The difference-making hit was courtesy of Sabin Ceballos, who homered, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

The other team from America was Panama, which in its debut in the tournament lost 9 to 8 in extra innings against the Netherlands.

The offense did its part, especially José Ramos who went 1 for 4 with a run scored and two RBIs, while Rubén Tejada went 1 for 2 with two runs scored and two RBIs, with two walks.

This Sunday the group's action continues in Guadalajara, in the Americas duel Venezuela visits Panama and Puerto Rico will host Mexico, while the United States is at home against the Netherlands.

(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)