Jose Valdez blanks Canada as Mexico get key win in Super Round

The Mexican pitcher tossed a complete game, giving up four hits and three walks against five strikeouts.

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<p>Jose Valdez pitched an absolute gem for Mexico, tossing a complete-game shutout against Canada in a key game to improve their Super Round seeding. The Mexicans defeated the Canadians with a <strong><a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2023-u-23-mens-softball-world-cup/schedule-and-results/box-score/109250"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1-0</span></a></strong> margin to remain in contention for a spot in the medal games of the <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2023-u-23-mens-softball-world-cup/home"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup</span></strong></a>.</p>

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<p>Mexico scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the third, where Hector Garcia hit a double to left field and advanced to third on a sacrifice fly bunt by Jesus Romero, until he crossed the plate on a close play at home after a wild pitch.</p>

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<p>It was all the offensive support needed by Jose Valdez, who pitched the complete game, giving up four hits and three walks against five strikeouts.</p>

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<p>For Canada, the losing pitcher was starter Riley Manion, who tossed three innings with three strikeouts, a walk, two hits and one run. Reese Yantzi pitched three innings in relief, striking out five with no hits, runs or walks allowed.</p>

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<p>Mexico improved their record to 2-2 in the Super Round and will face New Zealand in a must-win game on Saturday. Canada dropped their record to 1-3 and will play Australia in their final game in the Super Round.</p>

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