Colombia and Venezuela win and will battle for the remaining spot in the semifinals

(Press Release; WBSC-AMERICAS).- The U15 World Cup qualifier in Valencia, Venezuela continued on thursday, with three close games that set the table for the final day of play.

Colombia, Cuba and Venezuela won on thursday, setting the table for the final day of opening round, with one last semifinal spot on the line, the chance to play for the championship and a ticket to the World Cup.

Colombia won it´s first game of the tournament played in Bob Abreu field by 12-8 against the Dominican Republic, keeping it´s hopes alive and eliminating the island national team.

The south Americans scored big early, a five run first inning helped them hold on during the rest of the game, Dominican Republic came close a couple of times, but never had a chance to even tie the game.

Almost at the same time, Cuba beat Panama 13-12 in José Bernardo Pérez stadium, coming back a couple of times in an offensive duel that the Cubans won by a walk of base on balls.

It was a real duel between two nations trying to take first place, Cuba came away with the better end, and finally won with a bases loaded walk to take first place while Panama falls for the second straight game.

In the final game of the day Venezuela and Puerto Rico completed the inaugural game that had to be suspended due to rain with the score 4-1 in favor of the visitors with the host nation batting in the bottom of the second.

The Venezuelans scored seven in that frame and never looked back, their victory 9-8 sets up the classic matchup for the last day of opening round. Puerto Rico will play Dominican Republic and try to reclaim first place, while the host nation will play Colombia for the final semifinal spot and a ticket to the World Cup.

(WBSC-AMERICAS; Direction of Media Relations)