Venezuela, undefeated in 5 challenges, takes the lead in the 2026 Pan-American Softball Championship

Published at: 25/02/2026 06:05 PM

The men's national softball team reaffirmed its dominance in the Montería Pan-American Championship after completing a perfect day this Tuesday. Despite the heavy rains that forced several matches to be suspended in coffee plantations, the Venezuelan team managed to score two crucial victories: 1-0 over Cuba and 2-1 against Panama, to extend their undefeated streak in the tournament.

Venezuela, which had already qualified undefeated in the super round after dominating Group B with victories over Canada (2-1), Peru (10-0) and Colombia (6-3), relied on monticular elite work to sustain its leadership.

In the first match of the double day, the thrower Luis Colombo staged an electrifying pitching duel against the Cuban Alain Román. Colombo was “unbeatable” by painting seven zeros on the board and allowing just two hits, in addition to granting a passport and guillotining eight batters from the largest of the Antilles.

The national offensive capitalized on Román's only blink in the first act. After a double from José Dorantes to left field and an intentional ticket to Erwin Díaz, the Cuban strategy failed: Rogelio Hernández hit an infielder hit and Franklin Benítez negotiated a passport to force Dorantes' decisive race, to seal the final 1-0.

Heredia secures fifth win

In the second match against Panama, the ninth Venezuelan relied on the arm of José Heredia, who grew on the mound to guide the 2-1 win. The offense resolved early, after scoring its two lines in the second act thanks to a double from Erwin Díaz and consecutive single tugs from Kleiver Rodríguez and Carlos Ortega.

Heredia kept the “Canaleños” at bay, allowing only a solo home run in the sixth inning. In the seventh, he sentenced the game by fanning Xavier Serva, after completing a seven-act task with just two hits allowed and eight strikeouts prescribed.

Towards the next phase

With this performance, Venezuela is at the top of the tournament with five wins and no losses. After the break this Wednesday, the national team will return to action this Thursday with another high-voltage double card.

Mazo News Team