(Press Release; WBSC-AMERICAS).- The Opening Round of the Women's World Cup qualifier that is played in La Guaira ended on Wednesday, leaving exciting pairings for the semifinals.
Three games were held on Wednesday, early in the morning Puerto Rico remained undefeated and left Nicaragua winless in the Opening Round by winning by KO in five innings 13 to 2.
Adrix Paradizo led the Puerto Ricans' offense by hitting 2-for-3 with a run scored and three RBIs, while Tiesh Diaz went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs, and Alanis Rodriguez also contributed by going 2-for-2 with two runs scored, and one driven in.
In the second game, Cuba secured its spot in the World Cup and the semifinals by beating Mexico 7 to 2, allowing the Cubans to advance, moreover, as the second in the group.
Cuba relied on the pitching of Mayumis Solano who completed seven innings with six hits and two earned runs, in addition to two walks and one strikeout to win the game.
Offensively, Dayana Batista stood out batting 3-4 with two RBIs, while Odrisleisis Peguero went 1-3 with a run scored and two RBIs, finally Roxana Cuello went 2-3 with a run scored and two RBIs.
In the nightcap, host Venezuela also secured its pass to the World Cup and to the semifinals by beating the Dominican Republic 2-0, in a game that was defined in the last innings.
Mariana Natera took the victory guiding Venezuela during seven innings in which she did not allow runs, conceded three hits, two walks and struck out ten opponents.
Yakary Molina contributed on offense for Venezuela, going 2-3 with a run scored, while Sor Brito batted 1-3 with an RBI.
The semifinals will be on Friday with Puerto Rico hosting Mexico, while Venezuela will visit Cuba. Also, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua will play for fifth place.
(Media Management; WBSC-AMERICAS)
