The second game of the Premier12 kicked off with Puerto Rico taking on the United States. The event was played at Coloso del Pacifico in Tepic, Mexico. Rich Hill, 44, pitched for the United States, and Jonathan Bermudez started for Puerto Rico.
Both starting pitchers threw terrific in their 2024 Premier12 debuts, as USA’s Rich Hill threw three scoreless innings, giving up two hits, two walks, and striking out three batters. Jonathan Bermudez was just as brilliant on the hill, going four scoreless innings, allowing two hits, one walk, and six strikeouts.
The game remained scoreless until the top of the sixth inning, when Sabin Ceballos hit a solo home run off Sam Benschoter to deep right-center, as Puerto Rico would take the first lead at 1-0. USA would load the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning after two walks from Jorge Benitez. He was able to hold USA scoreless, getting Chandler Simpson to ground out to get the force-out at second to end the frame.
USA would start the inning off great again in the bottom eighth, with Matt Shaw picking up his third hit of the game and fourth-time on-base. Luke Ritter hit a double to deep right-center, with Shaw getting to third. Puerto Rico turned to Luis Cintron, who was able to record two flyouts to keep the USA scoreless.
Still a 1-0 game entering the bottom ninth, Justin Crawford led off the inning with a double down the right-field line. Colby Thomas was able to move Crawford over to third on a sacrifice fly. Luis Cruz would enter the game, and Cam Devanney would hit a ground ball to second-baseman Javier Vaz, who fired the throw home, nabbing Justin Crawford at the plate. Chandler Simpson would line out to Javier Vaz, as Puerto Rico would hold onto defeat the United States in a 1-0 shutout victory.
Puerto Rico will host Mexico tomorrow night at Estadio Panamericano in Guadalajara, Mexico. The game is set for 9 PM EST. The USA will host the Netherlands tomorrow at 6 PM EST, and once again, it will be at Coloso del Pacifico in Tepic, Mexico.
All games can be streamed live with a subscription to DAZN.
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Premier12
Premier12 – 12 Teams in 12 Days: United States
Premier12 – 12 Teams in 12 Days: Puerto Rico
