Venezuela wins gold at the XIV Pan American Children’s Baseball Tournament
The Venezuelan team was crowned champion of the XIV Pan American Children’s Baseball Tournament (11-12 year old category) after defeating the Dominican Republic with a score of 6-3. The decisive match took place at the number two softball stadium of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, consolidating the South American team’s dominance in the region by repeating the title obtained the previous year.
The Venezuelan offense was decisive from the start of the game. William Heredia hit a three-run home run in the first inning, setting the pace of the game against Dominican pitcher Jandel Soto, who took the loss. Later, Daniel Uricote extended the lead with a solo home run in the fourth inning, while pitcher José Moros was in charge of securing the victory from the mound.
Despite the effort, the Dominican team could not make a comeback. Among the standout figures for the locals were Isauris Mejía, with a home run, and Jasiel Mena, who drove in two runs with a double in the sixth inning.
Acknowledgments and future of the tournament
The awards ceremony was led by journalist Sudelka García, representing the Administrative Minister of the Presidency, Andrés Bautista, accompanied by the president of the Organizing Committee, Rubén Hernández, and the general director of the event, Luis Mercedes. The latter thanked the government support led by President Luis Abinader and the Ministry of Sports.
We want to thank the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, Minister Andrés Bautista, and the Minister of Sports, Kelvin Cruz, for all the support provided so that this tournament could conclude successfully.
Luis Mercedes, general director of the tournament.
During the event, it was announced that the next edition of the competition will take place at the new facilities of the Liga Deportiva Mercedes, which are currently under construction.
Colombia secures third place
In the bronze medal match, Colombia prevailed over Mexico in a vibrant encounter that ended 16-12. The Colombian offensive display was led by Juan López, who recorded a perfect 5-for-5 day, including two doubles, a triple, and five runs batted in. Elías Moreno and Emmanuel Caraballo were also key pieces in the South American victory.
On the Mexican side, Sebastián León stood out by hitting a home run and driving in four runs, although it was not enough to contain the Colombian offense.
An event of international reach
- 12 delegations participated, including Aruba, Colombia, Curaçao, the United States, Haiti, San Andrés Island, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and two representations from the Dominican Republic.
- The stadiums of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and the Mercedes Sports League served as the official venues for the event.
- The competition reaffirmed its importance as a breeding ground for youth baseball on the continent.
