U18 World Cup qualifier in Panama opened with five games

(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL).- The Pan American tournament, qualifier for the U18 World Cup, started this Friday at the Rod Carew and Juan Arosemena stadiums in Panama City, Panama.

Five games and ten countries played in a day that did not show any major surprises, the teams are looking for three places in the World Cup of the category that will be held next year.

Early on Brazil had no problems as it shutout Costa Rica, which was barely able to get a hit. Pietro Albanez, Luca Tsuru and Joseph Silva combined to allow just one hit, with four walks and eleven strikeouts.

For its part, Canada had no mercy by beating Guatemala 13 to 3, a duel in which Leo Cote was the top offensive figure by going 2 for 3 with three runs scored, four RBIs and one walk.

Meanwhile, Cuba took advantage of its rival's mistake in extra innings to finally beat Nicaragua 2 to 1, in a game that remained tied at one run from the first inning.

For its part, Mexico had no problems in their shutout against El Salvador by a score of 8 to 0, for their first victory of the tournament.

Finally, Panama took advantage of their home crowd to beat Puerto Rico 9-5 in a duel in which Jael Escobar stood out on offense by going 3-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored.

This Saturday the tournament continue with six scheduled games, featured by the debut of Dominican Republic, Venezuela and the United States, three of the teams that aspire to join the host Panama as one of the participants in the World Cup of the category.

(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)