Hosts Nicaragua went undefeated to win the continental championship on home soil. The Americas will have four representatives in the U-23 Baseball World Cup.

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