USA - Venezuela summary online: stats, scores and highlights | 2024 Premier12 Super Group highlights
USA 6-5 Venezuela
USA dazzles, then fizzles, before grinding out gutsy win
This game delivered everything fans could hope for: intense plays, late-game drama, and a game-winning home run. The United States emerged victorious 6-5 in a nail-biter that swung back and forth before being decided in the final inning.
The United States struck early. Venezuela’s starter Jesús Vargas struggled in the second inning, allowing a string of walks that led to the USA loading the bases. Simpson Chandler’s RBI single and Matt Shaw’s smart base running gave the Americans a 2-0 lead. On the mound, Touki Toussaint, the USA starter, held Venezuela at bay, combining control with timely defense, including a crucial double play in the second inning.
By the sixth inning, the Americans extended their lead. Matt Shaw and Carson Williams combined for doubles, while Venezuela’s bullpen failed to stop the bleeding. The USA seemed firmly in control, leading 5-1. You would think that the game was pretty much all over. But no.
Venezuela clawed back with grit. In the sixth, Herlis Rodriguez drove in their first run. Then, in the eighth inning, trailing 5-2, Venezuela brought in pinch-hitter Diego Castillo, who electrified the stadium with a three-run home run off Darrell Thompson, tying the game at 5-5. The Venezuelan fans erupted as their team pulled even after being down by five.
The top of the ninth proved decisive. With Enderson Franco pitching, Ryan Ward worked a full count before crushing a pitch deep over the outfield wall. His solo homer restored the USA's lead, making it 6-5.
Zane Mills, tasked with closing the game, faced a final scare in the bottom of the ninth. Two walks put the potential tying and winning runs on base, but Mills kept his cool, inducing a harmless popup to end the game.
This win gives Team USA a critical victory in the round-robin Super Round, keeping their hopes alive for a medal game spot. Venezuela’s fate hangs on the evening game between Japan and Chinese Taipei and Sunday’s final matchups.
GOODBYE!!!
That is going to do it for our live coverage of the 2024 Premier12 Super Round as the USA stay alive in the tournament. We hope that you enjoyed it as much as we did!
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F3 out! USA wins!
Hernán Pérez comes to the plate and a single ties it up. A double will likely be a walkoff.
Pérez lifts a high pop fly on the right side! Luke Ritter gets under it and makes the catch! Ball game!
USA wins!
walk
Alexi Amarista is up at the plate representing the winning run. He works the count full before the payoff delivery from Mills misses wide and the winning run is on first base now!
Pinch runner
Ehrdre Arianza steps on to run for Arcia.
walk
Francisco Arcia watches a called strike and it is 0-1.
Mills misses with a fastball low and then Arcia fouls one off. The count is 1-2
Mills misses with two more and the count runs full. The payoff delivery misses high and Arcia draws the walk!
Pinch hitter
Francisco Arcia will pinch hit for Dixon Machado.
F7 out
Jermaine Palacios the hitter and he rips the 1-2 delivery into left field but Colby Thomas is on his horse and gets there to put it away for the second out.
Bottom 9th
Carlos J Pérez leads things off and Mills sends him back to the dugout on three pitches, setting him up with the fastball before sitting him down with a huge curve.
K
Termarr Johnson up to the plate now and he works the count full before swinging at the payoff fastball but coming up empty.
The USA retake the lead and head into the bottom of the ninth up by one.
K
Colby Thomas up to the plate now and he demolishes a foul to left that misses the foul pole by a ball's width. The count runs to 2-2 before Thomas misses a wicked sinker for strike three. Two out.
Ryan Ward HOME RUN! USA scores!
Ryan Ward the hitter and he works the count full before the payoff pitch is crushed to straightaway center field! That gets over the wall and the USA is back in front!
Top 9th
Carson Williams leads off working the count to 2-2 including a shot that was a few inches foul of the pole before striking out looking at a fastball off the plate.
Pitching change
Enderson Franco will take over on the mound as
K
Angel Reyes faces the new pitcher and he gets fed three fastballs, striking out swinging.
Pitching change
Zane Mills will take over from Darrell Thompson on the mound.
This is insane! Venezuela were down and very nearly out and now they have clawed their way all the way back!
Diego Castillo HOME RUN! Venezuela scores!
Castillo has men on the corners and two out, he represents the tying run. He works the count to 1-2 before crushing a home run to left! We are tied up in the eighth! Incredible!
Pinch hitter
Diego Castillo will hit for Ramón Flores.
single to left
Carlos E. Pérez the hitter now with one on and now two outs and he crushes a blast to left field! It comes off the wall and missed a home run by inches! Wow!
He only gets a single out of it and Pérez goes to third on the play!
K
Herlis Rodriguez the hitter now with one on and one out and he works the count full before the payoff from Thompson gets him unable to hold off on a checked swing for strike three.
single to right
Hernán Pérez up to the plate now and he works the count to 2-2 before lifting a shot to right center field in between the fielders and it falls in for a single!
Bottom 8th
Alexi Amarista will lead things off and he nubs a shot to third. The throw to first gets the first out. 5-3
Pitching change
Darrell Thompson will take over on the mound for the USA.
K
Matt Shaw the hitter now and he works the count to 2-2 before getting all twisted up chasing a nasty curve ball for strike three.
1-3 play
Chandler Simpson the hitter and he lays down a bunt on the right side, but Hernandez gets there and flips the ball to first for the second out.
Top 8th
Justin Crawford will lead things off for the USA in the eighth and rips a ground ball to first. Pérez fields it and takes it to the bag for the out.
ꓘ
Dixon Machado the hitter now and he gets dealt short shrift, watching a called strike three on three pitches.
single to left
Jermaine Palacios up now and he pokes a single into left field and the inning is still alive for the vinotinto!
Carlos J Pérez HOME RUN! Venezuela scores!
Carlos J Pérez jumps on the first pitch and it is long gone! There is no doubt! That is a home run and that double play is suddenly critical for the USA!
6-4-3 double play
Angel Reyes the hitter now and he rips a grounder to short. The play to second for one and on to first to complete the 6-4-3 double play!
Bottom 7th
Ramon Flores will lead things off for Venezuela and he works the count full before the payoff from Adler misses inside for a leadoff walk.
Pitching change
Eric Adler will come out for the USA to take over on the mound.
F8 out
Luke Ritter will stand in now and he shoots a fly ball to deep center field but not far enough as Rodriguez gets under it to end the inning.
single to left
Drake Baldwin the hitter and he pokes one into left field for a two out single.
ꓘ
Termarr Johnson will come to the plate and he runs the count to 2-2 before watching a sinker that just jelly legs him for strike three.
Top 7th
Colby Thomas will lead things off for the USA in the seventh and he lifts a fly ball to center field for out number one.
4-6-3 double play
Carlos E Pérez taps a roller to second and the toss to the bag gets one and the throw to first ends the inning.
But not before Venezuela get on the board with their first run, trailing now 5-1 after six.
RBI single! Venezuela score!
Herlis Rodriguez comes to the plate with one out and runners on first and second. The USA are in a bind and this is on Scioscia. There was no need to take a dominant Menendez off the mound. Nobody even came close to hitting him. Pitch counts are all well and good but this is senseless.
Rodriguez pounds a single down the right field line and Venezuela gets on the board as Amarista scores from second!
walk
Hernán Pérez the hitter now and draws a walk on five pitches.
single to center
Alexi Amarista will face the new pitcher and he works the count full before ripping the payoff delivery into center field for a single.
Pitching change
Mike Scioscia comes out to the mound and takes the ball from Menedez as he goes back to the bullpen for Cam Vieaux
Bottom 6th
Dixon Machado leads off for the Arepas and he works the count to 1-2 before being unable to hold off on a checked swing to go down swinging.
K
Ryan Ward will face the new pitcher and he works the count full before the payoff delivery gets him swinging at strike three to end the inning.
But the USA has tacked on three more runs and now lead 5-0 in the sixth!
Pitching change
That is going to be it for Vizcaya, it just isn't his day. Omar López will dip into the pen and call on Arnaldo Hernandez to take over.
RBI double! USA scores!
Carson Williams up to the plate now with a runner in scoring position and two outs and he crushes a ball to left center! It comes off the wall and he is in there with an RBI double!
RBI single to center! USA scores!
Matt Shaw the hitter and he rips a single to center field! Ritter scores from second and the throw to the plate is not in time. Shaw advances to second on the throw to the plate.
Sac fly F8 out! USA scores
Chandler Simpson jumps on the first pitch and pounds it deep to center field. Rodriguez makes the catch, but it is deep enough to allow Baldwin to tag and score on the play.
sacrifice
Justin Crawford up to the plate with nobody out and runners on first and second. He fouls off five on the way to a 2-2 count before tapping a soft one to first. Vizcaya scoops it up on his way to the bag and it is effectively a sac bunt.
walk
Luke Ritter the hitter now and he works the count full before the payoff delivery from Vizcaya misses outside for a walk.
Top 6th
Drake Baldwin will lead off agains the new pitcher and he rips a shot into the gap in left center and he is in there with a leadoff double!
Pitching change
Venezuela will call on Anthony Vizcaya to take over on the mound.
Double play! 5-3
Jermaine Palacios the hitter now and he lines a shot to third base. It is caught by Shaw who rifles it to first to get Reyes doubled up! He was too far off the bag and Shaw made him pay for it!
K
Carlos J Pérez will face the new pitcher with a runner on first and nobody out. Menedez gets him swinging on three pitches and we have our first out.
Pitching change
That is going to be it for Touki Toussaint as Mike Scioscia immediately goes to his bullpen and calls on Antonio Menendez to take over.
Bottom 5th
Angel Reyes leads things off for Venezuela and he draws a walk on four pitches.
4-3 play
Termarr Johnson up now with runners on first and second and he chops one to second. Amarista fields it and goes to first to end the inning.
Intentional walk
Colby Thomas is offered the free pass so that Breto can face the lefty Termarr Johnson.
K
Ryan Ward will face the new pitcher and works the count full before the payoff fro Breto catches Ward out with a swing and miss on a nasty knuckle curve. Two gone
Pitching change
That is going to do it for Jesús Vargas as manager Omar López takes the baseball from him and calls on Liarvis Breto to take over.
F4 out
Carson Williams the hitter and he lifts a pop fly to shallow right field. Amarista drifts back and takes it for out number one.
Top 5th
Matt Shaw will lead off for the USA and he fires a shot into right center and it gets past the outstretched glove of Ramón Flores! Shaw is in there with a leadoff double!
4-3 play
Ramón Flores up to the plate and he grounds a roller to second. Johnson fields it and goes to first to end the inning and the USA are still leading 2-0 after four.
K
Carlos E Pérez the hitter now and Toussaint unloads that splitter again to get two strikeouts in a row.
Bottom 4th
Herlis Rodríguez leads off for Venezuela in the bottom of the fourth and he works the count to 2-2 before chasing a splitter for strike three. One away
6-3 play
Chandler Simpson up to the batters box and he taps a ground ball over to short. Machado makes the throw to first and ends the inning.
F9 out
Justin Crawford the hitter now and he fouls off seven pitches on the way to a 2-2 count. Finally he lifts one out to right field where Ramon Flores gets under it for the second out.
Top 4th
Luke Ritter leads off for the USA and he chops a roller to short for Machado. The throw to first gets out number one.
6-3 play
Hernán Pérez the hitter and he breaks his bat as he chops one to short. The play from Williams to first and the USA get out of a jam.
At the end of three it is still 2-0 to the USA.
Double to right
Alexi Amarista the hitter now and he crushes a shot to right field! That is a shot, a line drive and it comes off the wall! Amarista is in there with a double and Machado advances to third on the play!
single to center
Dixon Machado up now and he rips the first pitch into center field for a two out single.
5-3 play
Jermaine Palacios the hitter and he rips a shot to third base for Matt Shaw and he makes a great grab and fires a rocket to first for the out. Two gone.
Bottom 3rd
Carlos J Pérez will lead things off for Venezela in the bottom half of the third and he lifts a fly ball out to center field for Crawford and that is out number one.
F8 out
Drake Baldwin up to the plate and works the count to 2-2 before lifting a fly ball out to center for Rodriguez, and that ends the inning.
Foul F5 out
Johnson works the count to 1-2 before lifting a foul ball behind third base where Palacios is able to get to it and put it away for the second out.
stolen base
Termarr Johnson the hitter and on the first pitch, Thomas takes off for second! The throw down is not in time and he has a stolen base!
Hit by pitch
Colby Thomas the hitter now and he gets hit by the first pitch.
Top 3rd
Ryan Ward leads things off for the USA and he grounds a roller to second for Amarista. The throw to first and we have one away.
5-4-3 double play!
Ángel Reyes up to the plate with a runner on first and one out and he hits a shot on the ground to third. The throw to second gets one and on to first to end the inning!
F7 out
Ramón Flores up now and he lifts a fly ball to left field for the first out.
Bottom 2nd
Carlos Pérez leads off for Venezuela and Toussaint jumps out to a 1-2 lead in the count. Perez manages to hold up on his check swing leveling the connect 2-2 before the next pitch misses low and the count runs full.
The payoff delivery misses outside and Pérez has a leadoff walk.
F7 out
Carson Williams the hitter now with runners at the corners and he jumps on the first pitch, lining it to left but right at Angel Reyes to end the inning.
But the USA get on the board with two runs!
Fielder's choice! USA scores!
Matt Shaw chops a shot to second base. Amarista goes to the bag for one and the can't get the second at first. The runner from third scores on the fielder's choice!
single to right! USA scores!
Chandler Simpson the hitter now and he works the count to 1-1.
Simpson lifts a little flare into shallow right center and the run scores from third! The USA is on the board!
The bases remain loaded with one out.
K
Justin Crawford the batter now and Vargas is in a real bind. He manages to get ahead in the count 1 ball 2 strikes.
A tailing changeup gets Crawford swinging and he foul tips the ball into the catcher's mitt for the first out.
Bunt
The Venezuelans will huddle up on the mound to try to calm Vargas down as Luke Ritter steps into the batter’s box.
Ritter squares and lays down a perfect bunt! Exactly between the charging first baseman and the mound and everybody is safe! Two walks and a bunt and the USA had the bases loaded with nobody out!
walk
Drake Baldwin now the hitter for the United States and the first pitch from Vargas misses low.
A pick off move to first base from Vargas and then another change up just rides outside. 2-0
Baldwin fouls back the next delivery and Vargas misses outside with another fastball. 3 balls one strike.
A change up catches the top of the zone and the count is full. The payoff delivery from Vargas is in the dirt and that is two walks in a row.
Top 2nd
Termarr Johnson will lead things off for the USA and he works the count to 2-2 before getting luck with a call to run the count full. That was close!
The payoff misses low and away and Johnson gets a leadoff walk.
K
Herlis Rodríguez up to the plate now and he chases three splitters in the dirt for the quick strikeout to end the inning.
K
Hernan Pérez the hitter now and he works the count to 2-2 before Pérez is unable to hold up his checked swing on a slider in the dirt for strike three. Two out.
Bottom 1st
Alexi Amarista will lead things off for Venezuela and he lifts the second delivery from Toussaint to center field but directly at Justin Crawford. One away.
The replay team have confirmed that the reason that Simpson was called safe at second base was because Amarista was blocking the bag. That was deemed to be unsportsmanlike and led to the call of safe.
6-3 play
Colby Thomas up to the plate now with men on the corners and two away. He takes a huge cut at the first pitch but comes up empty. 0-1
He chases a low sinker and it is 0-2.
Vargas bounces the next and then misses high with the following delivery. 2-2
Thomas chops the next pitch to short and the throw just in time to end the inning.
walk
Ryan Ward the hitter now and he works the count to 3-0 before Vargas misses outside with the fourth. A straight walk.
ꓘ
Williams runs the count to 2-2 before a beautiful fastball at the knees freezes him for a called strike three. Two gone now.
stolen base
Carson Williams the hitter and on the 0-1 pitch, Simpson takes off for third! The throw from Pérez is not in time and he is safe!
The replay looks as if he may have actually been out, but with no challenges left, Venezuela just have to accept it.
F9 out
Shaw lifts the next pitch into right field and Ramón Flores gets under it for the out. It is not deep enough to advance the runner. One down.
Venezuela challenge the call of safe at second and it looks as if Amarista blocked the bag with his foot. Simpson never got to the bag. The umpires rule it safe anyway and Omar Lopez is not happy about it!
stolen base
Matt Shaw the hitter now and with a 1-1 count, Simpson takes off for second! The throw down is not in time and Simpson is in there!
Top 1st
Chandler Simpson takes the first pitch for a ball low and we are under way!
Vargas evens it up with a strike before Simpson fouls off another sinker to run the count to 1-2.
Vargas' delivery misses wide and the count goes even 2-2.
Simpson lifts the next pitch into left field for a leadoff single.
PLAY BALL!
Venezuela are on the field, Jesús Vargas is on the mound. The fans are in on their feet and the umpires are ready as Chandler Simpson will lead off for the USA.
Let's PLAY BALL!!!
ALMOST THERE!
Go get the chips and the drinks. Walk the dog and take out the trash. We are almost ready for the first pitch and you won't want to miss it.
LINEUPS
The Home Team
Venezuela Batting Order
1. Alexi Amarista 2B
2. Hernan Pérez DH
3. Herlis Rodríguez CF
4. Carlos E Pérez C
5. Ramón Flores RF
6. Ángel Reyes LF
7. Carlos J Pérez 1B
8. Jermaine Palacios 3B
9. Dixon Machedo SS
Manager: Omar López
The Visitors
USA Batting Order
1. Chandler Simpson RF
2. Matt Shaw 3B
3. Carson Williams SS
4. Ryan Ward DH
5. Colby Thomas LF
6. Termarr Johnson 2B
7. Drake Baldwin C
8. Luke Ritter 1B
9. Justin Crawford CF
Manager: Mike Scioscia
STARTING PITCHERS CAREER STATS
USA
Touki Toussaint
15 - 16
5.39 ERA
292 K
280.1 IP
1.53 WHIP
VENEZUELA
Jesús Vargas
37 - 36
4.32 ERA
439 K
579.2 IP
1.31 WHIP
PITCHING
USA: Touki Toussaint RHP
Touki Toussaint gets the nod for Team USA, bringing his mix of experience and electric stuff to the Tokyo Dome in a must-win scenario. The 28-year-old right-hander, known for his live arm and impressive movement, has struggled to find consistency in this tournament. His last outing was a rollercoaster, flashing dominance with six strikeouts but allowing too many free passes and missing his spots in critical moments. Toussaint’s repertoire is as dynamic as it gets: a mid-90s fastball, a devastating curveball, and a splitter that dives out of the strike zone. However, his success today hinges on command, especially against a disciplined Venezuelan lineup that thrives on capitalizing against pitchers who fall behind.
Toussaint enters this game carrying the weight of his team’s dwindling hopes for advancing. The USA’s 0-2 start in the Super Round leaves no room for error, and Toussaint will need to set the tempo early to keep his squad in contention. Manager Mike Scioscia has emphasized the importance of limiting big innings, something Toussaint struggled with in his previous outings. Still, his raw talent and big-game experience in both MLB and international play make him a wild card capable of turning the tide. If Toussaint can harness his best stuff and work through early jitters, he could give Team USA the spark it desperately needs to stay alive in the tournament.
VENEZUELA: Jesús Vargas RHP
Jesús Vargas takes the mound for Venezuela, carrying the hopes of a nation hungry for a breakthrough in international baseball. The 25-year-old right-hander has emerged as a reliable arm in this Premier12, highlighted by his five-inning gem against Panama where he allowed just one run while striking out six. Vargas doesn’t overpower hitters with raw velocity; instead, he leans on sharp command and a knack for changing speeds to keep opposing lineups off-balance. His fastball sits comfortably in the low 90s, complemented by a biting slider and a changeup he’s willing to throw in any count. Today, Vargas faces the challenge of navigating a potent USA lineup stacked with power, but his calm demeanor on the mound could be the key to success.
Vargas has been a key piece for Venezuela’s pitching staff, which boasts a stellar 3.05 ERA in this tournament. His ability to pitch effectively in high-pressure moments has drawn praise from manager Omar López, who trusts him to set the tone in this pivotal contest. Vargas will need to stay ahead in counts and avoid leaving pitches over the heart of the plate, as the American hitters have feasted on mistakes throughout the tournament. If he can keep his pitch count manageable and work deep into the game, he gives Venezuela a strong chance to clinch a spot in the final. With the stakes at their highest, Vargas knows today’s performance could define his young international career.
WELCOME!!!
Welcome to the Diario AS USA live commentary of a do or die game between the USA and Venezuela as both cling to survival with their fingernails, both needing a win. First pitch 10pm ET.
The WBSC Premier12 2024 reaches a critical juncture as Team USA faces off against Venezuela in the Super Round today at the Tokyo Dome. This game is crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the championship game tomorrow, hinging not only on their own performance but also on the outcome of the later Japan vs. Chinese Taipei matchup. Venezuela enters with a 1-1 record in this round, while the USA lags behind at 0-2, still clinging to a mathematical chance to advance.
Venezuela's recent games reflect their potential and pitfalls. A strong 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei was followed by a dramatic loss to Japan, where they squandered a late lead. Their tournament performance includes an impressive .299 batting average, 11 home runs, and a solid 3.05 team ERA. Manager Omar Lopez has chosen right-hander Jesús Vargas to start today, a pitcher who delivered a solid performance earlier in the tournament against Panama, striking out six over five innings.
On the other hand, Team USA has struggled in the Super Round, suffering significant losses to both Japan and Chinese Taipei. However, they boast comparable offensive stats, hitting .288 with 11 homers, and aim to rebound under the leadership of manager Mike Scioscia. The team sends Touki Toussaint to the mound, a seasoned MLB veteran with a career 5.39 ERA, but whose tournament performance has been uneven so far.
This isn't the first meeting between these two teams in this tournament; Venezuela edged out the USA 5-3 in the opening round, aided by a three-run burst in the sixth inning. Historical matchups since 2011, however, favor the USA, making today's game both a chance for redemption and a test of Venezuela's resolve to overturn old patterns.
Both teams have faced ups and downs in Premier12 history. The USA has twice come close to glory, finishing second in 2015 and fourth in 2019. Venezuela, by contrast, has yet to make a deep run in the tournament, finishing outside the top five in both prior editions. A win today would be a significant achievement for either side as they chase a place in baseball's international spotlight.
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