Venezuela outscore South Africa in six innings

World No. 5 Venezuela needed only six innings to beat No. 31 South Africa, 10-0, and earn the second win in the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024.

South African starter Joshua Tribe walked the first batter he faced. Lewis Castillo followed with a single to shortstop and Brainer Bonaci advanced the runners to second and first with a sacrifice bunt. Cesar Idrogo tripled on a full count to give Venezuela a 2-0 lead.

Venezuela scored six runs on in the bottom of the fifth to break the score open. Brainer Bonaci reached on a one-out single against reliever Kevin Costigan, who walked the three following batters allowing a run. Gilbert Hidalgo followed with a two-RBI single. Venezuela loaded the bases with Giovanny Martinez infield single. Costigan got the second out on a pop to shortstop, but allowed two more runs on back-to-back walks.

South Africa relieved Costigan with Marcus Kriek, who allowed anoter run on a wild pitch before getting the third out on a pop to first base.

Venezuela scored two in the botto of the sixth ending the game by the run-difference rule.

Venezuela's starter Carlos Campos allowed one hit over three innings. Cristian Fermin and Oswald Mori took care of the rest of the game. South Africa reached base only three more times.

Venezuela (2-1) will open Day 3 against No, 6 Korea. South Africa (0-3) will play a night game against No, 3 Chinese Taipei.