(Press Release; WBSC-AMERICAS BASEBALL).- Team Panama joined the United States, Mexico and Venezuela who qualified for the World Cup in Chinese Taipei, they also secured their places in the semifinals of the tournament.
Panama defeated Brazil 14-9 and joins the World Cup party with the other three qualifiers of the tournament.
Roger Vásquez batted 4-for-5 with four runs scored and six RBIs with a home run, Javier Acevedo also went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and three RBIs, to stand out offensively.
The United States remained undefeated in the Opening Round by defeating Puerto Rico 20-5 by knockout in five innings.
Once again, the United States offense was in perfect harmony, Tyler Early went 2-for-2 with two walks, two home runs, five RBIs and two runs scored, while Jet Schoolcraft also homered after going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and five driven in.
Mexico also maintained its unbeaten record in the Opening Round by beating the Dominican Republic 15-11. Esteban Gallardo stood out offensively, going 2-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored and four RBIs, while Gustavo Meza went 1-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs.
For its part, Venezuela finished third in the general standings by beating Cuba 16-13 coming from behind.
Jhonson Freitez stood out offensively by hitting three homers, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and seven RBIs. While Willy Rodríguez went 1-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBIs, as well as a home run.
This Friday the United States and Mexico complete the schedule of the Opening Round and define the first two places in the standings and the crosses of the semifinals of the tournament.
(Media Department; WBSC-AMERICAS BASEBALL)
