16/08/2024 8 Minute Read

WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup 2024 Day 1: Nicaragua beat Venezuela, Japan overcome Dominican Republic; Mexico, Puerto Rico, Chinese Taipei, Colombia also win

After Day 1, Colombia, Japan and Puerto Rico are leading the standings in Group A, while in Group B the leaders are Mexico, Nicaragua and Chinese Taipei.

The WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup 2024 opened on Friday with six exciting games in Barranquilla and Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. In the best games of the day, Nicaragua stunned Venezuela, 4-2 before Japan outlasted Dominican Republic in a high-scoring game, 12-9. Mexico defeated South Africa, 13-1 in five innings, while Chinese Taipei got an 11-1 victory over Netherlands. Puerto Rico defeated Guam 24-0 in five innings while, in the final game of the day -which ended at 00:40 on Saturday- Colombia defeated Italy, 11-4.

The schedule in Cartagena was affected by rain in the afternoon, forcing an almost three-hour delay in the game between Nicaragua and Venezuela, and a two-hour delay in the game between Colombia and Italy.

In Group A, Colombia, Japan and Puerto Rico are leading the standings; while in Group B the leaders are Mexico, Nicaragua and Chinese Taipei.

Key Links

Alejandro Gonzalez and Adrian Villela picked up four and three RBIs each, lifting Mexico to a 13-1 win against South Africa, in five innings, in the first game of the tournament in Barranquilla.

Gonzalez went 2-for3 with three runs scored, Alex Tolosa 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs and Villela hit 1-for-3 to lead an eight-hit offence for Mexico, scoring in all four offensive innings.

Dereck Lopez started for Mexico and got the win in three innings of work, giving up four hits and one run while striking out three. Dereck Romo and Alfredo Magaña pitched one inning each with no hits and runs allowed.

For South Africa, Lucas Orgill went 2-for-2 with a run scored, while Valentino Louw finished 1-for-1, driving in his team's only run of the game.

Both teams move to Cartagena de Indias to continue their Opening Round play in Group B. Mexico will play Netherlands at 19:00, while South Africa take on Nicaragua at 10:30.

Chinese Taipei opened the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup in Cartagena with a statement win against Netherlands. This game opened the Group B action at 11 de Noviembre Stadium.

Yu-Chia Ma, Chinese Taipei's first bat, was the hero of the day for the Asian team with four RBIs. The game ended by the Run Ahead Rule in the sixth inning with Chinese Taipei scoring in every inning except for the fourth.

Chinese Taipei will face Venezuela tomorrow at 15:00 while Netherlands will try to recover against Mexico at 19:00.

Puerto Rico claimed an easy win against Guam, 24-0 in five innings. A 16-run first inning with seven hits and nine walks broke the game wide open for the Caribbean team. Three pitchers combined to no-hit Guam.

Darrel Sanchez was the game-winning pitcher, tossing three innings with no hits and runs, while striking out six. He walked one opponent. Yosniel Rosario and Emilio Solivan completed the five-inning no-hitter.

Puerto Rico take on Colombia tomorrow a 19:00 while Guam will play their second game of the event against Dominican Republic at 10:30.

Nicaragua defeated Venezuela in a close game in Cartagena. In the fourth inning, the White and Blue team took the lead, scoring four runs and never looked back.

Josue Ramos led Nicaragua from the mound, accepting just two hits in 4.1 innings to become the winning pitcher. The DH, Junior Gomez, plated two teammates to lead the offensive side.

On Saturday, Nicaragua will face Netherlands looking to improve their record to 2-0 while Venezuela will try to get their first win against South Africa.

Japan outlasted Dominican Republic in a three-hour marathon to clinch their opening win of the tournament by 12-9, closing the Opening Day in Barranquilla. An eight-run first inning gave Japan the lead which let them to a thrilling win.

Narushi Nakashima went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and one run scored to lead the Japanese lineup. The winning pitcher was Haruto Kawamoto, who started for the Asian squad and pitched two innings.

Three Japanese pitchers struck out 11 opponents. However, control was an issue for both teams, as the Dominicans issued nine base on balls, while the Japanese walked eight.

Both teams scored in each of their first three at bats, combining for 18 runs.

Colombia won against Italy in a wild game that ended 11-4. This game closed day 1 of action in Cartagena, and both teams moved to Barranquilla to complete the Opening Round.

Ander Elorriaga, with 4 RBIs, established himself as Colombia's hero in a game in which the tournament host needed a comeback to win. Colombia scored 8 times between the 6th and 7th inning.

Italy will face Japan, and Colombia will clash with Puerto Rico. Both games will be hosted by Edgar Renteria Stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Key News

Colombia 11 - 4 Italy - Boxscore

Top 6th - A bases clearing triple by Ander Elorriaga highlighted a six-run sixth inning for Colombia to take lead again. The Italian pitchers issued four walks and had two hit by pitch in the inning. The game is now 9-4.

Bottom 5th - Italy come from behind and take the lead in the game! Patrick Silva connected a triple to plate Federico Magalotti. A defensive error allowed Italy to score two more runs and make it 4-3.

Top 4th - Luis Garrido hit a lead-off single and then scored on a grounder by Sebastian Cervantes. Colombia lead 3-1.

Both teams exchanged runs in the third inning. For Colombia, Sebastian Solano scored on a grounder, while Italy's first run of the game was scored by Patrick Silva, on an RBI single by Pablo Suarez.

Top 1st - Colombia strike first. The hosts score one on a first-and-third stolen base play to take a 1-0 lead.

Starting pitchers
COL - #14 - Enrique Sánchez RHP
ITA - #24 - Takuma Lupo RHP

Preview - In Cartagena de Indias, the last game of the day will see hosts Colombia and Italy playing their first game of the tournament. This will be their first game in a U-15 World Cup. After a weather delay, first pitch is scheduled at 9 pm.

Dominican Republic 9 - 12 Japan - Boxscore

Top 6th - Dominican Republic use three hits, including an Euniel De la Cruz RBI single, to score two and make it a three-run game again.

Bottom 5th - Japan add one on two costly defensive errors by Dominican Republic. Mitsuki Tokura reached on a defensive error, in a play that could have been the third out of the inning, and two batters later he scored on a throwing error by catcher Jehudy Guzman. The game is now 12-7 for Japan.

Top 4th - An accurate throw from right fielder Mitsuki Tokura to retire Franly Zorrilla at home plate allowed Japan to hang a zero for the first time in the game.

Both teams have scored at least a run in their first three offensive opportunities.

Bottom 3rd - Japan recover one with an RBI single by Naruchi Nakashima, who collected his third RBI of the game. He drove in Yusei Niwa, who reached with a leadoff single. Japan's lead is now 11-4.

Top 3rd - Dominican Republic reduce the deficit from seven to three with a big inning. Alfredo Sena led the way with an Rbi double, Gustavo Talmare drove in one with a single up the middle, and Gustavo Talmare capped the rally with a two-RBI single to center field. The game is now 10-7 for Japan.

Both teams exchange two runs in the second inning. Dominican Republic took advantage of control issues by Japanese lefty Haruto Kawamoto, who issued two walks and tossed three wild pitches, allowing the Dominican two runs. Japan answered with two in the bottom half, produced by a two-run double by Ryoto Suna off the left field wall. The game is now 10-3.

Bottom 1st - Japan answered back with a big eight-run first inning, highlighted by a long two-run double from Naruchi Nakashima off the right field wall, missing the grand slam by inches. Japan sent 14 hitters and usedfour hits in the inning, which ended with a spectacular diving play by Dominican shortstop, Alfredo Sena. Japan is leading 8-1.

Top 1st - The Dominican Republic strike first in the game. Leadoff hitter Franly Anglero drew a walk and moved to second on a single by Alfredo Sena. Anglero then scored on a grounder to second by Euniel De la Cruz. Dominican Republic leading 1-0.

Starting pitchers
DOM - #52 - Wilme Canario LHP
JPN - #18 - Haruto KAWAMOTO RHP

Preview - At 7 pm in Barranquilla, the Dominican Republic will make their debut in the 2024 World Cup against Japan. This will be their second match in a U-15 World Cup, since they played before in 2018 in Panama, with a Japan win over the Caribbeans, 13-7.

2024 U-15 Baseball World Cup - Game 5 DOM vs JPN

Nicaragua 4 - 2 Venezuela - Boxscore

Bottom 6th - Venezuela reduce the deficit to 4-2. Jesus Chavez scored on a wild pitch and Venezuela loaded the bases with no outs. However they only could cash in on a sacrifice fly by Cesar Lopez.

Bottom 5th - With one out in the scoreboard and 77 pitches, Nicaragua's starter Josue Ramos is replaced in the hill by Kelvin Diaz. Ramos issued three strikeouts against two walks with two hits allowed. The game remains 4-0 for Nicaragua.

Top 4th - Nicaragua take the lead. Junior Gomez drove in Enyel Gonzalez and Fabian Flores with a single to give Nicaragua the lead; followed by a run-scoring single from Johan Saravia. Gomez then scored on a balk. The game is 4-0 for Nicaragua.

After three innings, the score is still 0-0. Venezuela's Nerio Reyes and Nicaragua's Josue Ramos have remained the game scoreless. Reyes has allowed one hit; while Ramos has surrendered three.

17:45 - After a two hour and 45 minute delay, Venezuela and Nicaragua are playing now in Cartagena de Indias.

17:13 - Confirmed starting time at 17:45.

16:58 - We're aiming to start the game at 17:30 local time.

16:40 - The rain has stopped in Cartagena and the technical commissioners are evaluating the field of play.

14:56 - The start of the game has been delayed due to weather conditions in Cartagena.

Starting pitchers
NCA - #5 - Nerio Reyes LHP
VEN - #7 - Josue Ramos LHP

Preview - At Estadio 11 de Noviembre in Cartagena, Nicaragua will lock horns with Venezuela for the second time in a U-15 event. They played each other on 20 August 2012 in Chihuahua, Mexico, in the inaugural edition of the U-15 Baseball World Cup, which replaced the Youth World Championship (U-16). Venezuela won that game, 10-7.

2024 U-15 Baseball World Cup - Game 4 NCA vs VEN

Puerto Rico 24 - 0 Guam - Boxscore

Top 5th - After walking the first batter he faced, Emilio Solivan struck out the next three batters to close the game and secure the no-hitter.

Bottom 4th - Puerto Rico added three more runs on a sac fly, a wild pitch and a sac fly. The score is now 24-0.

Top 4th - Yosniel Rosario replaces Darrel Sanchez in the mound. Rosario struggled a bit with his command and Guam loaded the bases with one out, on a walk and two hit by pitches. However, Rosario recovered with back to back strikeouts to escape the jam. The no-hitter and the shutout remain alive for Puerto Rico.

Bottom 3rd - Three more for Puerto Rico. Anthony Badillo and Sebastian Cruz with the RBIs. The third run scored on a defensive error. The game is 21-0.

Bottom 2nd - Puerto Rico extend the lead with a two-run double by Joseph Mendez. The game is now 18-0.

Bottom 1st - Seven hits and nine walks allowed Puerto Rico to score 16 runs in their first at bat. Puerto Rican catcher Edward Pineiro went 2-for-2 with three RBIs and two runs scored in the 53-minute inning.

Preview - Puerto Rico will take on Guam on Game 3 of the World Cup in Barranquilla. The game will start at 3pm. This will be their second game, since they played on 30 August 2022, during the Opening Round of the World Cup hosted in Hermosillo, Mexico. Puerto Rico claimed the victory, 13-0, over Guam.

2024 U-15 Baseball World Cup - Game 3 GUM vs PUR

Netherlands 1 - 11 Chinese Taipei - Boxscore

Bottom 6th - Chinese Taipei finish the game with two runs. Li-Ya Yu hit a leadoff single, and scored on a triple by Cheng-Yu Shih, who later scored the last run of the game on a secrifice fly to right field to walk off the game (run difference rule).

Bottom 5th - A four-run inning give the Asian champions a 9-1 lead after five. A pair of RBI singles by Jun-Hao Yang and Yu-Chia Ma, and a defensive error were the key plays of the inning for Chinese Taipei.

Bottom 3rd - Chinese Taipei add one more with a two-out double from Wei Lin to plate Yi-Che Tseng from first base. Chinese Taipei lead now 5-1.

Bottom 2nd - A bases-clearing triple off the bat of Yu-Chia Ma gives Chinese Taipei a 4-1 lead in the game. The Asians had loaded the bases on a pair of singles and a defensive miscue.

Bottom 1st - A pair of defensive errors in the first two plays of the game allowed Chinese Taipei to tie the game. Yu-Chia Ma reached first on a defensive mistake from shortstop Jeadyon Chirino, and scored on a throwing error on a bunt. The game is tied 1-1.

Top 1st - Raishelnon Ogenia walks, then go from first to third with a single by Fran-Jean Haseth, and scored on a grounder by Kayden Leer. Netherlands is ahead, 1-0.

Starting pitchers
NED - #35 - Jayden Elizabeth RHP
TPE - #15 - Lo Shih - Cheng RHP

Preview - Netherlands and Chinese Taipei will play the first game in Cartagena de Indias, at 10:30. They never played before in a U-15 Baseball World Cup. In 2018, Chinese Taipei played in Group A, advancing to the Super Round as third place; while the Europeans finished fourth in Group B.

2024 U-15 Baseball World Cup - Game 2 NED vs TPE

South Africa 1 - 13 Mexico - Boxscore

Bottom 4th - Mexico put together a six-run inning to get a 13-1 lead in the game. Alex Tolosa and Alejandro Villela had two RBIs each in the inning.

Bottom 3rd - Mexico extend their lead to 7-1 in this innings with another three-run rally. A bases-loaded, two-run single by Alejandro Gonzalez made it 6-1, and later he scored on a defensive error.

Bottom 2nd - Mexico get back a run in the bottom of the second. Joel Vargas hit a lead-off triple, and one pitch later scored on a grounder by Alejandro Corral. Mexico now leads 4-1.

Top 2nd - Luca Orgill with South Africa's first hit of the game and the tournament. He advanced to third on a wild pitch and a passed ball, and scored on a clutch two-out RBI single by Valentino Louw to the right field. The score is now 3-1.

Bottom 1st - Mexico scored three in their first at bat. They drew four walks in their first five plate appearances to score the first run, and then a long RBI single by Alexandre Huerta and a throwing error allowed the Mexicans to take a 3-0 lead.

Starting pitchers
RSA - #42 - Baariq Hermans RHP
MEX - #22 - Dereck Alexander López romero RHP

Preview - Game 1 of the U-15 Baseball World Cup will see Mexico and South Africa going head to head at Estadio Edgar Renteria in Barranquilla. This will be their first match in a U-15 Baseball World Cup, since they played in different groups in 2014 and 2022, the only two tournaments where both teams played. First pitch is scheduled at 10:30.