Michell Chirinos propels Venezuela to walk-off win against Team WBSC
Venezuelan centre fielder Michell Chirinos stepped in the plate in the bottom of the seventh with a runner on third, when he rocketed a line drive to centre field that landed in the warning track that allowed Juan Castillo score the game-winning run. Venezuela walked off Team WBSC 3-2 and must wait for the results of other teams to advance to the Super Round of the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup.
In the second inning, Joiser Falcon drew a walk with one out, advancing on a hit by pitch and scoring with a two-out double by Jose Leon into shallow left field. One inning later, Venezuela added one more. With runners in the corners, Angel Adames scored on a double steal play Venezuela were ahead with a 2-0 margin.
Team WBSC tied the score 2-2 in the top of the fifth. Julio Castellanos' single and Juan Ramos' double placed two runners in scoring position. Both runners eventually scored off a grounder by Juan Diego Morales and a clutch two-out single by Sebastian Ponce down the right field line.
Venezuela loaded the bases with one out in the sixth, but Team WBSC reliever Juan Diego Morales escaped the jam with a pop up fly to second base and a strikeout.
The game was still tied 2-2 after the sixth inning, until the bottom of the seventh where Venezuela reached the board again after Chirinos' walk-off single set the table.
Frank Ugas tossed the complete game, giving up four hits and two runs, with 10 strikeouts.
Venezuela closed the Opening Round with a 3-2 record and must wait for the results of other teams to advance to the Super Round.