Hermosillo, Mexico – The Dominican Republic and Australia claimed tickets to the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Finals 2025 after winning the all-important WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Group A Playoff games in Hermosillo, Mexico on Sunday.
On the tournament’s last day, world No. 14 Dominican Republic defeated No. 5 Venezuela, 2-0 in the final to secure their spot in next year’s Finals while defending champions and world No. 2 Australia triumphed over No. 9 Mexico and Venezuela with identical 4-1 scores, to earn the second ticket.
Venezuela, who had progressed through pool play unbeaten, finished third to remain in contention for one of the two Finals 2025 wild card spots. Mexico came in fourth, while Czechia clinched fifth place after an eight-inning victory over the Philippines.
The Dominican Republic’s win over Venezuela in the final was thanks to an outstanding performance from pitcher Yan Carlos Gonzalez. The tournament’s Most Outstanding Player was in superb form, striking out 11 and allowing only four hits and one walk.
Meanwhile, Australia booked their ticket to the Finals 2025 after defeating Mexico (4-1) with Jack Besgrove delivering a stellar 16-strikeout performance before claiming another (4-1) victory, this time against Venezuela. Once again, Besgrove was the star, striking out 16 while allowing only two hits and one run. Mark Harris and Callum Beashel contributed crucial RBIs to secure the win. Venezuela’s Maiker Pimentel, pitching for the second time in the day, could not stop Australia’s momentum.
In the game for fifth place, Czechia edged out the Philippines (3-2) in extra innings. David Jaluska tied the game in the sixth with a solo home run and then hit a walk-off RBI single in the eighth, lifting Czechia to victory. This win placed Czechia fifth in Group A, while the Philippines finished sixth.
Credit: WBSC