Preview: Mexico, USA clash in Guadalajara to close out Group A at WBSC Premier12 2024
On Thursday evening at 8pm local time at Estadio Panamericano Charros de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico the current No. 2 in the KONAMI/WBSC Men’s Baseball World Rankings, Mexico, are taking on No. 5 USA in the last game of opening round Group A at the WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS.
Both teamshad high hopes for the tournament ahead of the WBSC Premier12, but so far haveseen mixed results on the field. USA defeated the Netherlands 12-2 and Panama9-3, while losing 0-1 to Puerto Rico and 3-5 to Venezuela for a 2-2 record.
Mexico was on the verge of dropping to 1-3 in the eighth inning of theirWednesday game against the Netherlands, when Juan Perez turned a two-run deficitinto an 8-6 victory with a grand slam. They lost 4-8 to Venezuela and 2-3against Panama and winning 7-5 against Puerto Rico.
Mexico ishitting .231/.342/.410 in four games, scoring 21 runs on 31 hits so far. AlonsoGaitan is carrying the team with ten hits, five runs and four RBI. Jose Rojashas driven in six runs. On the pitching side they have a team ERA of 5.25. ManagerBenjamin Gil is handing the ball back to Luis Miranda as starting pitcher. Hestruggled in the opener against Venezuela, issuing four runs on five hits in 21/3 innings.
Also Team
USA’s manager Mike Scioscia is putting his trust into the hands of his firstgame starter. Veteran southpaw Rich Hill will be back on the mound after hisouting against Puerto Rico. He was solid on Saturday, allowing two hits and twowalks in three scoreless innings. The US pitching staff is the best in Group Aso far with a team ERA of 2.65. The staff has combined for 37 strikeouts andseven walks in 34 innings pitched. At the plate they are hitting .283/.382/.465with 24 runs on 36 hits.
Both teamsare looking back at strong results at the WBSC Premier12. USA finished second in2015 and fourth in 2019. Mexico was fourth (2015) and third (2019). Now therepath to the Super Round is in danger. In head-to-head results USA is owning a11-6 record over Mexico since 2011.
The twoprograms last met at the World Baseball Classic 2023 with Mexico winning 11-5in the opening round. They have squared off four times already in WBSCPremier12. In 2015 USA won 10-0 in the opening round and 6-1 in the semifinals.
In 2019 Mexico prevailed 8-2 in the opening round and 3-2 in the bronze medalgame.