Argentina awaits winner of USA-Mexico in Pan Am men’s softball gold medal; baseball’s opening round to finish on Thursday

Argentina Men’s Softball National Team defeated USA, 7-0, and advanced to the final game of the Pan American Games Lima 2019. The reigning world champions wait in the final for either USA or Mexico, who defeated Cuba to remain alive.

In the first semifinal of the page playoffs, Argentina defeated USA, 7-0, in five innings, and advanced to the final. Clean-up hitter Mariano Montero homered twice for the winner, while Bruno Motroni also hit a home run.

The South Americans scored four runs in the first frame. With two outs, Montero started things off with a 2-run homer. Then, Santiago Carril and Manuel Godoy scored on a defensive error. One inning later, Motroni and Montero hit back-to-back dingers to make it 7-0.

The winning pitcher was Huemul Mata, allowing 2 hits and 2 base on balls, with 4 strikeouts, while Roman Godoy fanned one in the fifth inning. The loss was charged to Joel Cooley.

Earlier Mexico defeated Cuba by a score of 7-4, secured a medal and advanced in the tournament. The Mexican team came back from a 4-2 deficit in the last two innings to claim the win. Jose Hernandez claimed the win in relief of 4.2 innings, while the loser was Guber Plutin.

On Thursday, 1 August, USA and Mexico will play the bronze medal game at 10 a.m. local time, with the winner advancing to the final, where Argentina is waiting. The Gold Medal Game starts at 2 p.m.

Baseball: Super Round picture to be decided on Thursday

With only one day to finish the Opening Round, three teams remain in the hunt of the Super Round in Group A, while the already qualified Canada and Colombia will play the last game in Group B for the first place.

In Group A, Nicaragua claimed a key victory over Dominican Republic, 4-2, and keeps alive their hopes to make the Super Round. Puerto Rico beat host Peru 4-1 and remain on top of the standings with a 2-0 record. On Thursday, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic will face each other, will Nicaragua will take on Peru.

In Group B, Cuba defeated Argentina 10-0. Both teams are out of the Super Round.

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