Mexico win Bronze Medal Game at WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2026
Mexico secured its first-ever medal at the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2026, claiming the bronze in Sincelejo with an 11-5 win over New Zealand.
Axel Miranda led the offense with three RBIs, while Manuel Zepeda delivered a strong performance at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
"From the start, we were fighting for the medal," said Miranda. "We wanted that medal—we wanted to get on the podium. Honestly, I’m speechless—just very happy."
"It’s a medal that definitely has great value for us. It’s a medal at a World Cup, a third-place finish, we’re top three in the world. So I think everyone is very happy," said David Diaz, Mexico's captain.
"It’s something very significant for what we prepared back in Mexico. We were truly aiming for gold, but after not advancing against Japan, we had to push ourselves to earn the bronze," said head coach Carlos Parra.
Asked about the pitching strategy, the head coach said "Parra was available as a last option. We tried to give opportunities to pitchers who hadn’t thrown in the tournament, and I think it worked out," he said.
Diaz said the team improved as the tournament went on. "We started with a loss against Australia, but we changed our mindset and were able to move forward with wins," added Diaz. "This generation is on the rise because everyone is young, and several players are already part of the senior national team. I think we’re doing things very well."
Live Blog
Jayden Harris started for New Zealand but couldn’t finish the first inning.
Lead-off hitter David Diaz was hit by a pitch, and Manuel Zepeda followed with an infield single to put runners on first and second with no outs. Christian del Valle struck out, before Axel Miranda sent a line drive into the left-field corner for a two-run triple, giving Mexico a 2-0 lead. Miranda then scored on Yahir Yerena’s double, and Yerena crossed the plate on Miguel Leyva’s single. Traye Wildrobe came in to replace Harris in the circle and struck out Juan Ramirez to end the inning.
Mexico’s pitching staff also ran into trouble in the first inning. José Contreras recorded the first out but then issued three consecutive walks to load the bases. Angel Valerio replaced Contreras and struck out Ryan Early, but followed with back-to-back walks that forced in two runs, cutting the deficit to 4-2. Guillermo Valerio then took over in the circle and ended the inning by striking out Ciaran Bolger.
An inning later, Mexico added to its tally, extending the lead to 6-2. Roberto Sierra reached on an error and later scored on a double by Christian del Valle. The Mexican catcher then came home on Axel Miranda’s double, as Miranda drove in his third run of the game.
Mexico added four more runs in the top of the third inning, capitalizing on four hits and two errors to extend the lead to 10-2. Roberto Sierra, Manuel Zepeda, and Christian del Valle each recorded an RBI in the frame.
New Zealand cut the deficit to 10-4 in the fourth inning on a solo home run by shortstop Tane Mumu and a run scored on a wild pitch. Mexico responded immediately, adding a run on an RBI double by Manuel Zepeda.
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