Nicaragua overcome South Africa in Group B opener

World No. 17 Nicaragua took an early lead but could only open a significant lead in the bottom of the sixth to defeat No. 31 South Africa, 8-1 to start Group B play on Field 2 at the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024 in Shaoxing, China. Axel Zapata earned the win, allowing only two hits over five innings.

Nicaragua took the lead in the bottom of the first. Designated hitter Godwin Bennet got to South Africa's starter Robert White with a two-out double, scoring Odyander Matamoros from second.

Nicaragua added a run in the bottom of the second. Jay Sinclair reached on a one-out single and advanced to third on a base hit by Luis Gonzalez. He scored on a wild pitch.

South Africa got on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth. Nicaragua's starter Axel Zapata walked Josh November, who reached second on a balk. Corbin Greenslade followed with an RBI single up the middle.

Nicaragua loaded the bases with no one out in the bottom of the fifth. White got the first out on a line drive to shortstop, then allowed an RBI single to Odlanyer Matamoros. Another run scored when Emanuel Trujillo grounded into a force out.

Francisco Robleto took over for Zapata in the top of the sixth.

Nicaragua opened the score in the bottom of the sixth. Ethan Grobler took the mound for South Africa in the bottom of the sixth. The newcomer hit a batter and walked two. Matamoros made the most of it with a two-RBI single. Another run scored on a wild pitch.

On Day 2 Nicaragua will play No. 5 Venezuela, while South Africa will face No. 6 Korea.