Mexico and Puerto Rico will square off in the Group A opening round game on Sunday at the WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS at 8pm local time at Estadio Panamericano Charros de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Following the spectacular opening ceremony Mexico didn’t have many chances in a 4-8 loss to Venezuela to start off the tournament on Saturday. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico used a strong pitching performance and a solo home run to stun Team USA 1-0 in nail-biter earlier on Saturday in the first game in Tepic to have perfect start into the WBSC Premier12.
Mexico’smanager Benjamin Gil is putting his faith as starting pitcher in the hands of WilmerRios. The 30-year-old right-hander has spent his entire baseball career inMexico so far. He is an 11-year veteran with a career ERA of 3.66 throughvarious levels. During the 2024 season with Acereros de Monclova he went 6-5with an ERA of 4.10 in 17 starts. He struck out 60 batters, while walking 25 in105.2 innings pitched.
Puerto Rico’smanager Juan Gonzalez has selected Dereck Rodriguez as starting pitcher forgame two. The 32-year-old right-hander is the son of MLB Hall of Famer PudgeRodriguez, who spent 21 seasons in the big leagues. Dereck Rodriguez also islooking back at a MLB career. He played five years in the MLB with the SanFrancisco Giants, Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves. He had a 12-16 recordwith an ERA of 4.49 in 57 games. He struck out 167 and walked 84 in 234 1/3innings. After becoming a free agent following the 2023 season, he moved on toplay in Mexico. In 2024 he played for Charros de Jalisco with an ERA of 4.50 in16 games.
Mexico, whois the No. 2 in the KONAMI/WBSC Men’s Baseball World Rankings, is 1-4 against No.8 Puerto Rico in WBSC baseball competitions since 2011. The two programs met thisyear during the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup with Puerto Rico prevailing 11-7in the Super Round matchup. Mexico won 1-0 at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cupin 2023. They haven’t played against each other in the WBSC Premier12 events in2015 and 2019.
