Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela qualify for U-23 Baseball World Cup 2020

MANAGUA, Nicaragua -- Hosts Nicaragua went undefeated in the Americas Qualifier of the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2020 to be crowned continental champions, edging Cuba 1-0 in the Final on Sunday.

The qualifier awarded the top three teams a place in the U-23 World Cup, which is scheduled for October in Mexico. Venezuela won the bronze medal game with a 9-0 shutout against Colombia to claim the third spot.

Nicaragua: A Baseball Country

"We were up to the task of representing a baseball country," commented Nicaragua manager Sándor Guido.

"This day will won't be forgotten," added Nemesio Porras, the President of the Baseball Federation of Nicaragua (FENIBA). "This title is one of the great accomplishments in the sport's history of hour country."

Left-handed starter Sheyder Garcia and reliever Luis Castellón combined for the shutout on the mound. Jesús López batted in the winning run in the third inning.

López batted in 15 runs in the tournament and earned MVP honours.

"We are very happy," said López. "This result came thanks to a team effort."

Bronze for Venezuela

Venezuela outscored and outhit Colombia in the third-place game, breaking the game open with four runs in the third and four runs in the fourth.

Anthony Pereira, Juan Infante, Yorbin Ceuta and Sean Mendoza all enjoyed a multi-hit game. Anderson Vera earned the win.

WBSC U-23 BASEBALL WORLD CUP 2020 -  QUALIFIED TEAMS BY CONTINENT

• Africa (1): No. 23 South Africa
• Americas (4): No. 5 Mexico (host, defending World Champion), No. 8 Cuba, No. 9 Venezuela, No. 15 Nicaragua
• Asia (3): No. 1 Japan, No. 4 Chinese Taipei and No. 21 China
• Europe (2): No. 16 Czech Republic and No. 19 Germany
• Oceania (1): No. 48 New Zealand
• Wild Card (1): No. 3 Korea

Argentina won the placement round and finished in seventh place.