(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS).- The U18 World Cup qualifier started in La Paz, Baja California with very close outcomes on the first day of action, looking for the four participants for the World Cup.
Panama defeated Nicaragua in a close duel 4-3, scoring three runs in the top of the seventh inning in which they turned an adverse scoreboard to win.
For Panama, Jay Martínez stood out, going 1 for 1 with an RBI and two walks. Meanwhile, Angel Moreno hit 1 for 2 with a run scored, an RBI and a walk.
Puerto Rico beat Canada 10-9 in eight innings, in a close battle in which the Puerto Ricans finally, with two runs in the top of the eight inning, were able to win.
The offense was well distributed among the Puerto Rican hitters, but Jabdriel Reyes went 1 for 2 with a run scored and an RBI, in addition to receiving two walks. Bryan Santiago hit 1 for 4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.
In another game, Mexico attacked first and beat Cuba 2-1, a duel in which they knew how to take advantage of the opportunities given by the rival to take a victory to start the tournament.
Mexico stood out offensively with Edgar Luego who went 1 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI. The other run came across by Cristhian Lucero despite not getting a hit, he walked once.
Finally, the United States had no problem knocking out Peru in five innings with a 13-0 score, taking advantage of a nine-run rally in the third inning.
Noah Franco was one of the best hitters, going 3 for 3 with four RBIs and two runs scored. PJ Morlando also went 1 for 2 with two runs scored and two RBIs.
(Media Management; WBSC AMERICAS)
