Dominican Republic Secures its Second Victory in the U-23 Pan American Softball Cup
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The Dominican U-23 softball team achieved its second victory in the II Pan American Men’s Softball Cup, defeating Guatemala with a score of four runs to one. The tournament, organized by WBSC-America, is being held in Argentina and awards four spots for the 2026 World Cup to be held in Colombia.
The Dominican team, led by Sergio La Hoz Jr., demonstrated its superiority in the match held at the Arnaldo Bautista Gómez stadium in Santa Rosa, La Pampa. With five hits and an outstanding performance on the mound by Jonni Suriel, the national team secured the victory.
The loss went to Guatemalan pitcher Diego Morales, who, like Suriel, completed the 7.0 innings.
In the tournament, in addition to the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, teams from Cuba, Argentina, Peru, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States participate.
The Dominican offensive stood out from the start, securing the victory with two runs in the first inning and adding two more in the fourth. Guatemala managed to score a run in the bottom of the fourth inning.
The key players for the victory were Mike Peralta, with two singles; Jendry Torres, with a two-run home run and a run scored; and Beato Quezada, with a home run, a run scored, and two RBIs. Darlyn Martínez also contributed with a single.
The Dominican team will face Canada today, in a day that also includes the matches between Canada and Venezuela, and Argentina against Mexico.
This tournament grants four spots for the 2026 World Cup, organized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). The teams of Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Czech Republic, Singapore, Colombia, and Denmark are already classified. An additional team from Africa will complete the 12-team field.
