Julio Vivas threw 68 pitches over 4.2 innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs, one walk, and three strikeouts in a 10-2 win against Mexico at the 2023 Pan American Games. (Photo Courtesy WBSC Americas)
World No. 15 Colombia remains in contention to medal at the 2023 Pan American Games after beating No. 3 Mexico 10-2 on the second day of the super round.
Colombia and Mexico both hold a 2-2 record at the 2023 Pan American Games.
With Colombia’s win on Thursday, No. 24 Brazil will play in the gold medal game on Saturday at 2 p.m. EDT, and will await the winner of tomorrow’s game between Colombia and No. 12 Panama starting at 8:30 a.m. EDT at Cerrillos Bicentennial Park.
Mexico will play in the bronze medal game at 8:30 a.m. EDT on Saturday against the loser of Colombia and Panama.
In the bottom of the first inning, Colombia’s Carlos Martinez roped a two-run double down the right field line, scoring shortstop Francisco Acuna and second baseman Carlos Arroyo for an early 2-0 lead.
During the bottom of the third inning, Colombia added five runs starting with third baseman Fabian Pertuz’s RBI single to right center field, scoring Martinez to extend the lead to 3-0.
Mexico manager Jose Garcia replaced starting pitcher Wilmer Rios with Aldo Gonzalez after Rios threw two innings and allowed six hits, five earned runs, one walk, and one strikeout.
A few batters later, Colombia right fielder Derwin Pomare drew a bases-loaded walk, scoring Pertuz for the fourth run of the game. The next batter, first baseman Leandron Benitez, singleD through the right side of the infield aND Martinez came in to score making it 5-0. Then Colombia center fielder Jesus Marriaga lofted a sacrifice fly and Dilson Herrera came in to score for Colombia’s sixth run of the game.
Colombia’s starting pitcher Julio Vivas threw 68 pitches over 4.2 innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs, one walk, and three strikeouts.
Benitez ended the day with one run scored, two hits, and two RBI during Thursday’s win.
Colombia designated hitter Jose Puerta had an RBI triple down the right field line in the bottom of the fifth inning and scored one run in their first game of the super round. Acuna had an RBI double in the bottom of the fifth inning and ended the day with one run scored.
Colombia’s bullpen threw 2.1 innings and struck out two batters.
Mexico’s pitching staff allowed 11 hits, nine earned runs, two walks, and three strikeouts in Thursday’s loss, and the offense only mustered four hits.