EASLEY—Two Venezuela pitchers combined for a no-hitter in a 6-0 victory over the Philippines Saturday afternoon in the Big League World Series, clinching a spot in Tuesday’s International semi-finals against Puerto Rico.
The no-hitter was the second in as many days in the series at the JB “Red” Recreation Complex in Easley. Puerto Rico pitchers combined on a no-hitter in a 7-0 victory over Italy Friday.
Venezuela and Puerto Rico, both 3-0 after victories Saturday, play each other at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in a game now just for two days of bragging rights. The winner will finish first in the International Pool and the loser will finish second, meaning they will play each other in a much more meaningful International semi-final game at 4 p.m. Tuesday. The winner of Tuesday’s game advances to Wednesday’s championship game against the US champion. The championship game is scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday and will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN3.com.
Venezuela 6, Philippines 0
Venezuela, the Latin America champion, took a 1-0 lead in the first inning and then posted a run in the third and another in the fourth to take a 3-0 lead.
In the sixth inning, got back-to-back singles from Melvi Rincon and JC Montero. Anderson Yonce was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Jesus Piaza reached on a fielder’s choice and Rincon was thrown out at home. Alexander Lopez walked with the bases loaded, scoring Montero to give Venezuela a 4-0 lead. Andres Zambrano reached first on an error by the right fielder, scoring Yonce and giving Latin America champion a 5-0 lead. Piaza gave Venezuela a 6-0 lead when Luis Vera got him home on a sacrifice fly to left field.
Manuel Urdaneta pitched five innings of no-hit ball, striking out three and walking none to get the win. Robin Nunez pitched the final two innings with one walk and two strikeouts.
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