Venezuela's Andres Reyes Querales pitches against Canada during the third inning of a baseball game at the Little League World Series, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in South Williamsport, Pa. (AP Photo/Jared Freed)

When you have solid pitching and a great defense behind the mound, it makes winning look easy in baseball. And that’s no different at the Little League World Series.

For Cardenales Little League of Barquisimeto, Venezuela, that’s what’s been the case not once, but twice so far at the Little League World Series and surely it won’t be the last such performance this summer.

On Wednesday, the Latin America Regional champions opened the Series with a 5-0 win against a talented Puerto Rico team. On Friday, it was another shutout at Volunteer Stadium, this time a 4-0 win over Little Mountain.

“First of all, thank God. They’ve been working hard their best two pitchers and expecting what we were expecting them to do,” Venezuela manager Luis Bermudez said. “They’ve been practicing and doing well.”

That’s an understatement.

Juan Reyes opened the Series with a win on Wednesday against Puerto Rico by throwing all six innings with nine strikeouts on 74 pitches. He gave up just three hits and didn’t allow a run.

Against Canada, it was a combination of Andres Reyes Querales and Sebastian Lopez. Reyes threw five innings and was taken out after reaching the maximum pitch count and going 89 pitches. He struck out seven, however, with just one hit allowed and three walks. Sebastian Lopez closed out the game with one inning of work.

“I thank God, I’m so happy they did it. We started a batter and did the best job possible,” Reyes Querales said.

In two games at the World Series, Venezuela’s defense has allowed just one defensive error. It’s a testament to the talent and discipline the players have on the field.

“They work hard with the defense. It’s a strong suit of the team and I’m so happy they did that,” Bermudez said. “I’m just so proud of the players and the coaches. I’m happy about the results.”

That sure-handed defense and great decision-making by infielders and outfielders alike also helps take pressure off whoever Venezuela puts on the mound.

“It takes off the pressure knowing they’ll be back there backing us up,” Querales said.

Venezuela faces Japan on Monday and the Latin American Regional champions know that Japan will be solid.

“I feel so happy and thank God (we’re here for the Series). We saw part of Japan’s game (vs. Czechia on Thursday). We were practicing, but we think we’ll be capable and prepared to face them.”