Mexico claim Men’s Softball Pan American Championship as five teams qualify for World Cup
On the back of a gem from right-hander Carlos Parra, world No. 8 Mexico claimed their first-ever Men’s Softball Pan American Championship, defeating No. 3 Argentina, 1-0, in a nine-inning thriller at José Gabriel Amin Manzur Stadium in Monteria, Colombia.
Both finalists, along with world No. 2 Venezuela, No. 4 Canada and No. 5 USA, have qualified for the next WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup, which starts with the group stage in 2027.
Mexico made history on Saturday by winning their first Pan American Championship with a 1-0, nine-inning marathon over two-time defending champions Argentina. Parra delivered a performance for the ages, pitching nine scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out 16 batters.
The only run of the game was scored by Jesús Cardona in the top of the ninth inning. Argentina pitcher Pablo Migliavacca threw a wild pitch that Juan Zara managed to block. Cardona then attempted to steal third base, and Zara’s throw sailed into the outfield, allowing the Mexican runner to score the winning run following catcher’s obstruction at home plate.
In the bronze medal game, World Champions Venezuela defeated Canada, 1-0, to reach the continental podium. Luis Colombo pitched a complete-game shutout, while Erwin Díaz drove in the lone run of the game with a single in the bottom of the first inning, scoring Pedro Flores.
In the fifth-place game - which awarded the final remaining World Cup berth - USA defeated No. 11 Dominican Republic, 7-0, in five innings.
With this result, the top five teams from the Americas - all ranked among the world’s top 10 - secured their tickets to the World Cup.
Final standings
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Venezuela
- Canada
- USA
- Dominican Republic
- Panama
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Guatemala
- Puerto Rico
- Peru
- Aruba