Venezuela Shuts Out Defending World Champion Australia in Game 1 of the 2024 WBSC Men’s World Cup Qualifier – Group A
Day 1 June 12
Official WBSC Stats of the Game, Line Score, Box Scores et. al
Venezuela Blanks Australia 7-0 in Dominant Performance
The Venezuelan national team put on an impressive display of pitching and timely hitting to shut out Australia 7-0 in a one-sided affair.
Venezuela’s starting pitcher, Maiker Josue Pimentel Sivira, was the star of the game, tossing a complete game gem. Pimentel Sivira allowed just three hits and one walk while striking out 12 Australian batters over seven innings. His dominant performance set the tone for Venezuela’s victory.
Offensively, Venezuela was led by David Galeno Betancourt, who went 3-for-4 with three runs scored and an RBI. Luiger Orlando Pinto Suarez provided the big blast, crushing a two-run homer in the top of the 7th to extend Venezuela’s lead. Rafael Flores and Luis Ismael Osorio Leal also chipped in with RBI doubles.
Venezuela opened the scoring in the 4th inning. David Galeno Betancourt singled, advanced to second on a fly out, and scored on Rafael Flores’ RBI double. Flores then came around to score on Luis Ismael Osorio Leal’s single up the middle, giving Venezuela a 2-0 lead.
In the 6th, Venezuela added two more runs. Galeno Betancourt singled and scored on a passed ball, while Angel Adames, pinch-running for Rafael Flores, scored on Engelbert Herrera’s RBI double.
Venezuela put the game out of reach in the 7th. Carlos Villegas reached on a fielder’s choice and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Galeno Betancourt singled him home, and then scored on Luiger Orlando Pinto Suarez’s two-run blast to left-center field, making it 7-0.
For Australia, it was a tough day at the plate and on the mound. Starter Jack Besgrove took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits over six innings. The Australian offense managed just three singles, struggling to generate any momentum against Pimentel Sivira’s electric stuff.
With the win, Venezuela moves to [insert record] on the season/tournament. They’ll look to carry the momentum from this dominant performance into their upcoming games.
Key Stats:
- Maiker Josue Pimentel Sivira (VEN): 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K
- David Galeno Betancourt (VEN): 3-4, 3 R, RBI
- Luiger Orlando Pinto Suarez (VEN): 2-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB
Final Score: Venezuela 7, Australia 0
Pitching Performances
Winning Pitcher:
- Maiker Josue Pimentel Sivira: Pimentel was outstanding, delivering a complete game shutout. He allowed only 3 hits, struck out 12 batters, and walked none over 7 innings.
Offensive Firepower
Venezuela:
- David Galeno Betancourt (SS): Galeno Betancourt had a spectacular day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with 1 RBI. His consistent hitting set the tone for Venezuela’s offensive onslaught.
- Luiger Orlando Pinto Suarez (1B): Pinto Suarez delivered a clutch performance, going 2-for-3 with a home run and 2 RBIs. His power hitting provided a significant boost to Venezuela’s run production.
- Rafael Flores (C): Flores contributed with a 1-for-4 effort, including a double and 1 RBI. His extra-base hit helped extend Venezuela’s lead.
- Luis Ismael Osorio Leal (RF) and Engelbert Herrera (CF) also chipped in with an RBI each.
Australia:
- The Australian lineup struggled against Pimentel’s dominance, managing only 3 hits in the game. No Australian batter had more than one hit, and they were unable to push any runs across the plate.
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