The final of the Under-15 Baseball World Championship was decided in Mérida, Mexico, when the United States team beat the Dominican Republic 5-4 in extra innings. The match, played at Parque Kukulcán Álamo, remained balanced until the last second, leaving the Dominicans with hope of winning the title until the eighth inning.
Match Development
In the seventh episode the score was tied 3-3. The Dominican took the lead in the top of the eighth when Rainsel Herrera hit a ball that, after a defensive error by the US defense, allowed Angel Montás to reach the plate and score, putting the Quisqueyans 4-3. However, the United States responded immediately with another run, resulting from an error on a pitch to the base of the Dominican pitcher Carlos Marrero, equalizing the score.
The game remained tied at 4-4 until the US outfielder Calvin Madenspacher connected a sacrifice fly to center field. The resulting run, carried by the Dominican runner Angel García who attempted a home run, ended slightly off, giving the United States a 5-4 victory.
Impact and trajectory of both teams
The win represents the third world crown for the United States, who had already won the titles in 2018 and 2022. The Dominican Republic, on the other hand, is left with the runner-up title after a final that demonstrated the high competitiveness of both teams.
Both countries arrived at the final after standing out in the Super Round: the United States finished with a 4-1 record, while the Dominican Republic ended 3-2. The final became a duel of ninth innings, where the score dominance was exchanged until the decisive moment.
Tournament History
Since its creation, the Under-15 World Championship has seen Venezuela, Cuba, the United States, and Japan as champions. Venezuela won the first edition in 2012, Cuba won in 2014 and 2016, and Japan lifted the trophy in 2024. The United States’ victory in Mérida reasserts its position as a power in the world junior baseball.
Credits: deultimominuto.com
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