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Gael Leyva’s complete game lifts Mexico over Venezuela

By HENRY HUBER 4 min read

A capsule look at Tijuana, Mexico's 3-1 win over Maracaibo, Venezuela at Volunteer Stadum on Tuesday afternoon.

PLAY OF THE GAME -- Final strikeout: After hitting a batter to put the tying run on base for Venezuela with two outs, starting pitcher Gael Leyva bounced back seamlessly, pitching three straight strikes against Venezuela first baseman Aaron Villalobos to secure Mexico's 3-1 victory.

MEXICO PLAYER OF THE GAME -- Pitcher Gael Leyva: Despite the endless talent on the mound from the International side of the bracket this year, we haven't seen too many complete games. But that's exactly what Leyva did Tuesday afternoon, pitching six innings without hitting his pitch limit.

His line included five strikeouts, six groundouts, four popouts and fly out, as he and his outfield surrendered just one run on two hits. And on the batting side, he was walked once before contributing a key RBI single in the fifth to earn Mexico's final run.

VENEZUELA PLAYER OF THE GAME -- Pitcher Luis Vargas: Venezuela went into the fifth inning with a 1-0 lead for a reason. Though he was taken out in the top of the fourth after giving up back-to-back walks, he allowed just zero runs on three hits through three innings pitched. Two of his three strikeouts occurred sequentially to follow up a Mexico hit in the second, which served to conclude the inning.

BIG INNING -- Fifth for Mexico: With its backs against the wall and two innings left to save its tournament run, Mexico pulled a page out of its previous performance against Canada as its offense came to life.

A pivotal, full-count walk of shortstop Bernardo Partida carried into two back-to-back singles for Arath Laborin and Jorge Cota, who executed their bunts to perfection to keep their out meter at zero. It would get its first out on the next play, but not before Partida ran in to tie the game. Then after another full-count walk loaded the bases again, two singles from centerfielder Jonathan Juarez and Gael Leyva would grant them with a 3-1 lead with Venezuela having just six outs remaining to steal it back.

BEST EFFORT -- Continuous fighting from the plate for Mexico served to elevate Venezuela's pitch count, which eventually led to its downfall. Its starter played well but was out by the fourth inning, then relievers Adrian Soto and Luis Rangel, who struggled in previous outings lasted just 1 1/3 and one inning, respectively.

Venezuela threw a total of 137 pitches, nearly double the amount Mexico had Tuesday.

FLASHING LEATHER -- Mexico's outfield was incredible throughout the game, but its best moments came at two key moments down the stretch and were both carried out by its shortstop Bernardo Partida.

He'd first stretch out to catch tough pop out heading to left center to secure Mexico's first out of the fifth. And in the sixth with two outs to go, he efficiently fielded a grounder in the same spot before launching a laser to first to just barely throw Endrick Avila out.

WHAT THE ADULTS SAY -- "Not everything came out our way, but they fought hard and gave all they could to play their best game they have," said Venezuela manager Jannio Gutierrez through a translator. "I'm proud and happy for their performance and I'll let them know. Let's focus on next season."

WHAT THE KIDS SAY -- "I knew I would complete the game," said Mexico starting pitcher Gael Leyva through a translator. "I stayed focused. I know sometimes you get down in the count, but I stayed focused and completed the game."

WHAT IT MEANS -- Mexico keeps its tournament life going for at least one more game and will face the winner of Japan versus Panama tomorrow. Venezuela has been eliminated from the tournament, going 1-2 with a win over Panama and losses to Curacao and Mexico.

Starting at /week.