Venezuela created history by winning their first ever WBCS Men’s Softball World Cup in history. The team defeated New Zealand 3-0 in the Final of the tournament.
Maiker Pimentel, the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the tournament, tossed 5.2 innings of one hit ball.
Three pitchers combined for Venezuela striking out nine against two walks.
Men’s Softball World Cup: Venezuela Makes History
Venezuela took the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Pedro Flores smashed a rise ball up in the zone and disappeared it over the center field fence to put the South Americans 1-0 in front.
In the top of the fifth, Maiker Pimentel left the game after twisting his ankle. Luis Colombo replaced him in the circle, who struck out one and walked two, before being replaced by Eudomar Toyo, who struck out Jerome Raemaki to escape the jam.
Pimentel re-entered the game in the top of the sixth with two outs and runners on second and third, and escaped unscathed by inducing Tane Mumu to fly out in foul territory.
“From the start, we knew we had to go all in from day one, because we knew the eight tough opponents we’d face. This is a joy for us, and for our country, which really needs this World Championship,” commented Pimentel.
“I think Venezuela is proud on a global level despite our struggles. This brings so much joy to many people. It’s incredible for us as a team, as individuals, and for our country, which isn’t going through the best times.”
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Kleiber Rodriguez added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth with a home run to center field, giving Venezuela a 3-0 lead.
This final marked Venezuela’s second appearance in a Men’s Softball World Cup Final, following their previous participation in 2013. Ironically, they had lost to New Zealand 4-1 then to settle for silver. As a country, this is the first Softball World Cup title in any category.
For New Zealand, it was their 10th appearance in a World Championship Final. They have won the final game six times (1984, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2013, and 2017), and have finished runners-up in five editions (1988, 1992, 2009, 2015 and 2025). In 1976, they shared the gold medal with Canada and USA, as the playoffs couldn’t be completed.
