(Press Release; WBSC-AMERICAS).- The host team, Venezuela, finished its participation in the America World Cup qualifier tournament with a flourish by winning the gold medal in the final against Puerto Rico, while Mexico finished third.
Two different but exciting games closed the Pan-American tournament in La Guaira, Venezuela, first Mexico beat Cuba 9-5 to win the bronze medal, then Venezuela beat Puerto Rico 2-1 to win the trophy.
Venezuela ended the undefeated streak of Puerto Rico in a pitching duel that had Orianny Hernández as the main protagonist, the righty came on to pitch five scoreless innings, with three hits, one walk and five strikeouts to secure the win and was later named the most valuable of the championship as she lead Venezuela to the gold medal.
Migreilys Angulo went 1-2 with a run scored and RBI, Yohelis Colina scored one while going 1-3 and that was enough for Venezuela to maintain the difference that earned them the championship.
For Venezuela it is the second trophy in its history in Pan American tournaments,
For its part, Mexico overturned a 0-4 deficit against Cuba in the last two innings to win 9-5 and win the bronze medal.
Vital was the offensive attack of the first two hitters from Mexico, Samaria Benitez went 4-5 with runs scored and Edith de Leija went 4-4 with two runs scored and one RBI, missing the home run to complete the cycle.
Valeria Rodríguez's pinch-hitting offense was also vital, she ended up going 2-2 with three RBIs and one run scored, as well as a stolen base to lead Mexico to victory.
Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Mexico end on the podium, in addition to these three nations, Cuba also qualified for the World Cup, they will be the representatives of America in the next World Cup of the category.
(Media Management; WBSC-AMERICAS)
