Colombia clinch Super Round spot with shut out win over Germany
Colombia delivered on a must-win game when they beat Germany 7-0 on Tuesday to clinch the spot in the Super Round of the IV WBSC Baseball World Cup.
The bronze medallists of the third edition will advance as third seeds of Group A, behind World No. 2 Chinese Taipei and World No. 1 Japan.
Colombia opened the scoring in the second inning and succeeded with scoring additional markers in the next three frames.
They got to Germany's starter Samuel Steigert in the bottom of the second with one out and a runner at first, with designated hitter Jorge Puerta doubled deep left centre. Then fielder Daniel Aguilar attempted to score from first but was called out at home.
Colombia received the score as the call was reversed when on-field review showed that catcher Maurice Bendrien never applied the tag. Right fielder Roger Caraballo followed with another RBI double.
Colombia continued to score against Noah Lindadding with three runs on four hits, including an RBI double by third baseman Branlyn Jaraba in the bottom of the third and then on a home run by Jair Camargo off reliever Joe De Leon in the bottom of the fourth. One more run was scored on a wild pitch in the fifth.
Santiago Florez picked the win pitching five innings and allowing only two hits.
Colombia will start the Super Round with a 0-2 record.