Israel takes Game 2 against Nicaragua, secures spot in next WBC
Israel (1-1) got ahead early and never looked back, claiming a 5-0 victory over Nicaragua (0-3) for its first win in this year’s World Baseball Classic.
The Sabras struck the first blow in the second inning. With one out, shortstop Cole Carrigg singled through third with the infield shifted to the right. He then swiped second and third before scoring two batters later on a right-field single by second baseman Noah Mendlinger.
Blue and White starter Dean Kremer was dominant through the first four innings, during which he allowed only one baserunner.
But Kremer got into some trouble in the fifth. After a single and a walk to start the inning, the right hander settled down to record a strikeout, but that would end his night after 63 pitches. Josh Mallitz then came into the game and walked the first hitter to load the bases.
Mallitz seemed poised to allow the tying run to score on another walk, throwing three consecutive balls to start the next at bat. But the reliever then induced a sharp ground ball down the third base line. Third baseman Jake Gelof grabbed the ball, touched third, and then threw over to first in time to complete a double play and extinguish the rally.
Israel then followed up with an exciting inning of its own. Leading off, Mendlinger singled to left. Two batters later, he advanced to third on a single by first baseman Spencer Horwitz. Center fielder Harrison Bader then singled to right, allowing Mendlinger to score, making it a 2-0 lead.
Right fielder RJ Schreck added a one-out walk to load the bases. After a pitching change, left fielder Zach Levenson singled to right to plate two more runs. Two batters later, shortstop Cole Carrigg singled on a line drive to center, driving in Israel’s fifth unanswered run.
Israelthreatened again in the seventh; with runners on second and third and one out, Carrigg hit a rocket to shallow center field, but Nicaragua centerfielder Ismael Munguia made an outstanding diving catch, sending the Israeli runners scrambling back to their bases..The next batter grounded out, ending the threat.
Veteran MLB reliever Tommy Kahnle came in to pitch the top of the ninth. He closed out the game in just seven pitches to seal Israel’s first shutout in WBC competition history. With the win, Israel also secured a spot in the next edition of the World Baseball Classic and relegated Nicaragua back to the qualifying round..
The Blue and White return to action tomorrow, March 9 at 12 PM Eastern, when they host the Dominican Republic (2-0).
Written by Israel Baseball News Staff, Chase Levitt
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