Venezuela is on the verge of advancing to the semifinals of the 2024 WBSC Premier12 after a 5-2 victory over Puerto Rico on Thursday in the Group A qualifiers at Estadio Panamericano in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
With this win, Venezuela leads Group A with a 3-1 record and will face the Netherlands on Friday in their final group-stage matchup. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Round (semifinals) in Tokyo, Japan. Puerto Rico, with a 1-3 record, has been eliminated from contention.
Puerto Rico struck first, scoring one run in both the first and second innings to take an early 2-0 lead. However, Venezuela responded in the bottom of the second, plating three runs to take the lead.
The rally began with two walks, putting runners on first and second with no outs. Carlos Pérez then delivered an RBI single to left field, bringing in the first run. With two outs and runners on second and third, Hernán Pérez hit an infield single toward the pitcher to tie the game. A wild pitch followed, allowing Venezuela to take a 3-2 lead.
Venezuela extended their lead in the fourth inning when Carlos Pérez launched a solo home run. In the seventh, Hernán Pérez hit another solo shot, sealing the win and putting Venezuela in a strong position for a semifinal berth.