Dominican Republic falls to the United States in the U-18 Pan American Championship
The Dominican Republic U-18 baseball team suffered its first defeat in the WBSC Americas/Copabe Pan American Championship, after falling 16-1 to its counterpart from the United States in a game decided by knockout. Despite the result, both teams had already secured their ticket to the super round of the tournament, which is taking place at the IPL Academy facilities in Guerra.
The United States closed the group stage as the undefeated leader of Group A with a 3-0 record, while the Dominican team advances to the next stage as the second-place finisher with a 2-1 record.
Match development
The American dominance began to take shape from the second inning, where they produced a five-run rally that set the tone for the game. Although the Dominicans tried to react in the top of the third inning with a run driven in by a sacrifice fly from Ricki Money that allowed Wolibel Quezada to score, the American offense was relentless.
The visiting team extended their lead with four runs in the third inning and sealed the game in the fourth chapter by adding seven additional runs, taking advantage of the lack of control in the Dominican pitching.
Pitcher George Ferguson was credited with the win after a four-inning performance, allowing only two hits and striking out eight batters. On the Dominican side, Aneudy Palmero took the loss after allowing six earned runs in two and two-thirds innings of work.
Featured players
- United States: Graham Houston shined with the bat, going 4-for-3 with three runs scored and two RBIs. Malachi Buttle contributed by going 2-for-2 with three runs scored and two RBIs, while Sebastian Wilson hit a triple and drove in three runs.
- Dominican Republic: Angeni Fernández managed to go 1-for-2, Alfredo Sena added a single, and Ricki Money contributed with an RBI.
Special ceremony
Prior to the duel between the undefeated teams of Group A, the ceremonial first pitch took place. Businessman José Acebal Rizek performed the ceremonial pitch, with Amaurys Nina, owner of the IPL Academy, serving as the designated batter, while Miguel Matos, director of the MLB office in the country, received the ball.
