Team Venezuela is one of two undefeated teams in the World Baseball Classic, with Japan being the other.
The Venezuelans earned their third victory on Tuesday afternoon, 4-1 against Nicaragua.
The Nicaraguans end their 2023 WBC campaign with four losses, while Venezuela looks ready for the quarterfinals.
A disaster would need to happen for them to be eliminated in the first round at this point.
Once again, Venezuela’s MLB stars answered the call and lifted the country to victory.
Venezuela improves to 3-0 in pool play. 😤 #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/ZI8kbQ61p7
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 14, 2023
Cleveland Guardians infielder Andres Gimenez drove in the tying run in the fourth inning with a single, and Seattle Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez plated two more with a single of his own.
With the game 3-1, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander extended his torrid WBC streak and doubled to right-center in the fifth inning, adding a fourth run to Venezuela’s scoreboard.
Detroit Tigers left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez started the game, but had some heavy traffic on the basepaths after allowing seven hits and a run in just two innings.
Fortunately for Venezuela, the bullpen was marvelous on Tuesday: Jose Ruiz, Carlos Hernandez, Jose Quijada, Silvino Bracho and Jose Alvarado combined to pitch seven scoreless frames to secure the key victory.
After the game, Venezuela leads Pool D with a 3-0 record, and Puerto Rico (resting on Tuesday) is second with a 2-1 record.
Israel and the Dominican Republic, both at 1-1, will play a crucial game Tuesday night.
The loser will be in really bad shape with the quarterfinals in mind.
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