Sabin Ceballos' homer, strong pitching give Puerto Rico spectacular win over USA in Premier12 opener in Tepic
Sabin Ceballos homered in the top of the sixth with two outs to give world No. 8 Puerto Rico a key win in their opening game in the WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS against No. 5 USA. Puerto Rican starter Jonathan Bermudez pitched four scoreless innings and was the first of seven hurlers in the game.
Ceballos sent the first pitch he saw in the sixth inning over the center field wall, the longest part of the new ballpark, giving his team all the offence they needed. It was the first official home run at Coloso del Pacifico Stadium. "It's a proud moment for the work we did, and I'm happy," he said. "USA always come prepared for this kind of tournaments, but we followed a plan that gave us the victory at the end of the road."
Puerto Rico manager Juan Gonzalez pitched by committee in Tepic, sending seven different hurlers to the hill. Jonathan Bermudez went four innings to start the game, followed by Raymond Burgos, who pitched 1.1 inning of one hit ball and got the win.
Ceballos said pitching and defence was the key to win, but highlighted the game plan as the key of the game. "It was the foundation and the plan. That’s what both the coaches and the pitchers brought. Every time we bring in or take out a pitcher, there’s no ego. We’re just all in, no one is saying no. And that comes from the staff and the great work they are doing with us.
USA pitched extremely well during today's game too. Five pitchers limited Puerto Rico to four hits in the game, but they couldn't get the win.
"It was an unfortunate loss. We played well," said veteran left-hander Rich Hill, who started the game for USA and pitched three scoreless innings. "That's the way baseball goes sometimes. We'll come back tomorrow and get a W. We'll come back tomorrow and get a win."
USA outscored Puerto Rico 6-4, but were not able to score in the nine innings. "We pitched great. It came down to one swing. That's what's great about baseball," added Hill. "You can have high scores or low-run games like this. That's what you appreciate about the game. How the pitchers did for Puerto Rico and how we pitched for Team USA."