Guatemala win gold at Central American Games Men's Softball event
World No. 12 Guatemala claimed the gold medal at the Central American Games Men's Softball competition. The host team defeated No. 24 Panama, 13-2, in the gold medal game to win the tournament. No. 25 Honduras claimed bronze.
Three teams finished the Opening Round tied in first place; with Guatemala, Honduras and Panama posting a 4-1 record. Due to the tie break system, Guatemala finished first, Honduras second and Panama finished third. All three teams advanced to the page playoffs along with No. 33 Nicaragua, who finished fourth (2-3).
In an elimination game, Panama outlasted Nicaragua, 11-10 in eighth innings, to move to the bronze medal game. Nicaragua recovered from a 10-4 deficit to tie the game with back to back three-run rallies in the sixth and seventh innings to send the game to extra innings. However, a clutch double play by the Panamanian defence prevented Nicaragua to score, and then Irving Calderon drove in the game winning run in the bottom of the eighth with a walk-of single to decide the game for Panama.
In the first vs second game, Guatemala beat Honduras 9-5 to secure a spot in the final. An eight-run first inning gave the hosts a comfortable lead that became decisive in the game. Dennis Hurtarte homered for the host team.
In the bronze medal game, Panama prevailed over Honduras, 11-5, and advanced to the final against Guatemala, leaving Honduras with the bronze medal. Panama's Enier Franco and Irving Calderon hot two homers each in the game to lead their offense.
The final game lasted only four innings, with Guatemala scoring big in their three at bats. Pedro Dieguez and Luis Burbano drove in three runs each while Manuel Hernandez had two RBIs for Guatemala.
Final Standings
- Guatemala
- Panama
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Belize
Both Women's Softball and Baseball competitions will open on Friday 24 October, with the action closing on Tuesday 28.