16U: Venezuela downs Japan in 10 Innings

Venezuela needs IBAF Tiebreaker Rule in 10th in 10-9 Win

Romo Chavez Stadium. Aguascalientes. August 19, 2011.

Venezuela won a thrilling evening game 10-9 against Japan thanks to a walk-off RBI double by Alexander Palma in the bottom of the tenth inning. Moments earlier Jose Lino had tied the contest with a two-run double. Japan had struck first in the top of the frame with a two-run triple by Kyuji. The inning, which saw the IBAF Tiebreaker Rule in effect, was the top of the icing for an exciting back-and-forth battle.

Both teams blew leads in the contest earlier in the game. Japan was up 4-0 midway through the fifth. Venezuela followed this up with a 6-5 advantage after six innings. The grind continued throughout the eighth setting up the dramatic final.

Yoshitaka Nagasawa went 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. Taishi Bamba scored twice for Japan. Lino and Palma had three RBI each. Victor Delgado (W) got awarded with the win, allowing one hit, two runs (1 ER) and no walks in 2 1/3 innings of relief. Hayate Yasuda (L) issued four hits, four runs (3 ER) and two base on balls in 3 1/3 frames to take the loss.

Venezuela is playing the Dominican Republic on Saturday morning at Aguascalientes, while Japan takes on Cuba in the evening contest.

(From IBAF's website)