Venezuela Blanks Korea 7-0 for Third Straight U-23 World Cup Shutout
Andry Lara struck out seven as Venezuela beat Korea 7-0, opening the 2026 U-23 Baseball World Cup with three consecutive shutouts.
World Baseball News Editorial Team , 1 min read 
Venezuela opened the 2026 WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup with three consecutive shutouts after beating Korea 7-0 at Roberto Clemente Stadium in Masaya, Nicaragua. A six-run first inning and five scoreless innings from starter Andry Lara carried Venezuela to a 3-0 record in Group B.
The result left Venezuela with a 27-0 run differential through its first three games. The team had already defeated South Africa 10-0 and Great Britain 10-0 before shutting down Korea on Sunday, November 8.
Two home runs ignite six-run first inning
Venezuela settled the game almost immediately. Lewis Castillo hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first, and Johnfrank Salazar followed with another homer as Venezuela sent six runs across the plate.
Korea starter Eom Yo-seop was unable to escape the inning. Venezuela finished the game with nine hits and added its final run in the fifth.
Salazar went 2-for-4 with a double and a home run. Castillo’s early drive supplied the decisive blow and gave Lara a commanding lead before he threw his second inning.
Andry Lara controls Korea
Lara allowed four hits over five scoreless innings, struck out seven and did not issue a walk. Riskiel Tineo and Miguel Mejias each worked a scoreless inning to complete the shutout.
Korea collected six hits but never scored. Venezuela played error-free defense, while Korea committed one error. The game lasted two hours and three minutes in front of 890 spectators.
The victory put Venezuela alongside Japan at 3-0 in Group B after the opening three games. Venezuela was scheduled to face Cuba next in the opening round, with a later matchup against Japan set to provide another major test in the race for the Super Round.
