Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, USA open Premier12 with wins

TAIPEI CITY – On the first day that featured multiple games of the new 2015 WBSC Premier12 flagship tournament, the depth of the Americas continent was showcased.

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<p>TAIPEI CITY – On the first day that featured multiple games of the new 2015 WBSC Premier12 flagship tournament, the depth of the Americas continent was showcased.</p>

<p>No. 12 Mexico’s Humberto Sosa blasted a 2-run double in the top of the eighth inning to overcome and defeat No. 11 Venezuela, 6-4. Martin Viramontes picked up the win for Mexico, while Gabriel Alfaro absorbed the loss for Venezuela.</p>

<p>No. 9 Puerto Rico cruised to an easy 7-1 victory over European representative, No. 11 Italy. Pitcher Andres Santiago earned the win, while Alessandro Maestri took the loss.</p>

<p>No. 2 U.S. and No. 6 Dominican Republic combined for 26 hits. Dominican Republic’s Wilson Bitemit blasted a home run and had three total hits, but the U.S. powered to a dominating 11-5 victory, despite being outhit by their Caribbean counterparts. Pitcher Joey Denato earned the win for the U.S.; Victor Mateo was given the loss.</p>

<p>No. 7 Canada jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning thanks to Tyson Gillies’s 2-run home run. Canada starting pitcher Chris Leroux went 5.2 innings, striking out eight batters against No. 3 Cuba to earn the win.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, all Top 12 nations will be in action for the first time.</p>

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