Day 3 – Pan Am Men’s Fastball (with preview)

14:00 SB001 United States v. Venezuela (11am on the West Coast)
16:30 SB001 Dominican Republic v. Mexico (1:30pm on the West Coast)
19:00 SB001 Canada v. Argentina (4:00pm on the West Coast)

Preview:
(This was dictated for expediency; email me if you spot errors please, jim [at] fastpitchwest.com)

Yesterday’s picks by the Editor:One for two, picking Venezuela over the Dominican Republic, and getting surprised by Mexico’s upset of Argentina. Had Canada-United States as a toss-up/pick’em which turned out to be a 3-2 extra inning nail biter.

Today’s Games

United States v. Venezuela

Venezuela won bronze at the WBSC in Saskatoon, the USA ninth place. But the USA looked to be a different squad last night in their extra inning loss to Canada, playing with more confidence. Venezuela won their match in Saskatoon, 3-2, but the loss a product of USA miscues on wild pitches and passed balls. USA pitcher Tony Mancha struck out 14 that night. Two of the three runs scored by Venezuela were walks to lead off innings. Hard throwing Ramon Jones threw yesterday, so perhaps it will be lefty Erik Urbaneja, who has not been as effective in 2015 as he was in 2013. For the USA, Muizelaar started last night against Canada, pitching extremely well; figures to be Mancha in the circle. Edge to the Red White and Blue. USA wins this one.

Dominican Republic v. Mexico

After turning heads with a 6-1 record at the WBSC in Saskatoon, the Dominican squad has lost four straight, including their two playoff games at the WBSC and first two games in Toronto. Mexico is coming off a big upset win against Argentina yesterday, made all the more impressive in that they beat Argentine ace Juan Potoliccio. The two teams appear evenly matched, playing good defensive, with offensive lineups that hit from top to bottom. Tough to pick against Mexico again, but I look for the Domnican Republic to right with the ship with their ace, Yennier Volquez (Perez) going today. DR over Mexico.

Canada v. Argentina

Canada coming off big extra inning win over the USA, while Argentina regrouping after surprising loss to Mexico, a loss reminscent of their WBSC loss to the Czech Republic. Inconsistency on offense offsets Argentina’s deep pitching staff; not enough firepower to match the Canadians. Canada marches on with a win over Argentina.