Wet weather in the Seoul area limited the fifth day of play to just two contests in the 25th IBAF Under-18 Baseball World Championship yesterday.
After over an hour of rain delay in the morning game at the Mokdong Baseball Stadium, the game officials managed to fit in a whole game between Colombia and Venezuela, in which the underdogs from Colombia stunned the favored Venezuelans in a 7-2 final.
It was the second straight upset victory that the land of the world’s most famous coffee had pulled off, following its shocking 3-1 win over the previously undefeated South Korea the night before, thanks to an outstanding effort from starter Yeizer Marrugo, who four-hit the Venezuelans over six strong innings to give his offense a chance to score some runs.
The right-hander would hand a 5-2 lead to relieving ace Nabil Crismatt, who followed his starter’s suit with three shutout innings of one-hit ball to preserve the win.
Doing the damage early and often was a Colombian attack led by Cristian Cano’s two-run triple in the opening frame that put up three runs off starter Argenis Angulo in the top of the first to rattle the Venezuelans.
Even though Venezuela would answer with a run of their own in the bottom of the first to regain some faith, Marrugo’s pitches proved too elusive for them, as they mustered just one more run off the fireballer to suffer the bitter defeat.
Czech Republic 0, Japan 7 (5th)
Red-hot Japan bullied its way to seven quick runs over the first five innings in what ended up being a rain-shortened 7-0 shut win.
The score was made final after the second rain delay of the game forced the game officials to cut it short.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely