Nicaragua defeats Puerto Rico in a close game at Volunteer on Saturday 3-1

A two-run third inning proved to be the difference for Managua, Nicaragua, in a 3-1 win over Guaynabo, Puerto Rico on Saturday afternoon at Volunteer Stadium.

With the win, Nicaragua advances to play Sunday against Takarazuka, Japan in an elimination game at 1 p.m. at Volunteer Stadium.

Puerto Rico held a brief 1-0 lead over Nicaragua after two innings, but in the bottom of the third, Nicaragua scored twice to take a lead it wouldn’t surrender.

Both teams exchanged zeros in the fourth before Nicaragua tacked on one more run in the fifth inning for a two-run lead.

Nicaragua out-hit Puerto Rico as well, 5-3. Of Puerto Rico’s three hits, all were singles. Nicaragua was led by Erick Gonzalez, Luis Bravo, Josue Avendano, Xavier Hernandez and Johan Saravia, all of whom had singles. Dereck Alonzo had two RBIs and Luis Garcia drove in a run.

Alonzo also was solid on the mound, throwing 5 1/3 innings on 88 pitches, striking out 11 with just two walks, three hits and one earned run allowed. Joahn Saravia came in during the sixth to get the final two outs and earned the save.

Puerto Rico’s Yosniel Rosario earned the loss, but struck out seven in 4 2/3 innings before reaching his pitch count limit. He only walked two batters.