The Dominican Republic team defeated Puerto Rico 15-11 and took third place in the U-18 Pan American Championship, securing their first-ever qualification for a World Cup in that category
SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic wrote a new chapter in the history of its youth baseball by winning the bronze medal and qualifying for the U18 Baseball World Cup for the first time. The achievement came after defeating Puerto Rico 15-11 in the third-place game of the U18 Pan American Championship, organized by WBSC Americas and Copabe.
The Dominican team staged a remarkable comeback at Field 1 of the IPL Academy, a result that allowed them to climb onto the podium of the tournament and secure one of the four available tickets for the 2027 World Cup in China, according to a press release.
The game started off rough for the Dominicans, who entered the third inning trailing 10-3 against the Puerto Ricans. However, the home team's offense rallied in the bottom of the inning, scoring six runs to cut the deficit to 10-9.
Puerto Rico added a run in the top of the fifth inning. However, the Dominicans didn't let up and responded in the sixth inning, unleashing their offensive power with six more runs to seal a 15-11 victory and, with it, the historic bronze medal.
Feliz Genao led the pitching effort
In the individual category, pitcher Feliz Genao earned the victory after working for two and a third innings, during which he allowed only one single, struck out one opponent, and maintained his ERA at 0.00.
In contrast, for Puerto Rico, Sebastián Quiles suffered the setback after pitching two and two third innings, allowing four hits and five earned runs, issuing two walks and recording two strikeouts.
Four teams qualify for the World Cup
The Pan American Under-18 Championship offered four places up for grabs in the next World Cup for the category, which will be held in China in 2027.
In the final standings, the United States emerged victorious, winning the gold medal, while Venezuela secured second place with the silver. The Dominican Republic finished third, taking the bronze, and Nicaragua completed the group of qualified teams, earning the fourth spot.
Eleven countries participated in the competition
The competition brought together 11 nations and took place from October 22 to 29 at the IPL Academy facilities, where the teams competed for the world championship spots.
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