Venezuela defeated New Zealand, 3-0, and won the country’s first ever WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup. Three pitchers combined to shutout New Zealand in the Final, including the MVP of the tournament, Maiker Pimentel, who tossed 5.2 innings of one hit ball, striking out nine against two walks.
“I thank God—because every time our national team has needed me, God has helped me leave the team in a better place than I found it,” head coach Delio Lopez said after the final. “Tonight, I can sleep peacefully. I had the privilege to manage the best team on the planet—and not for me, but for my family and all the people of Venezuela who need this kind of victory.”
“This is the greatest thing I’ve had in my life—after my family. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, of course,” said Rafael Flores with tears in his eyes. “Special thanks to my dad, who was thoughtful enough to introduce me to this sport. And we dedicate this to Venezuela—truly. There are no words of gratitude greater than what I feel for my country.”
“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.”
This final marked Venezuela’s second appearance in a World Championship Final, following their previous participation in 2013. In this opportunity, they lost to New Zealand, 4-1, and claimed the sliver medal. This time, Venezuela lifted the trophy in Prince Albert. 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.
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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. Pimentel has been magnificent, striking out seven in four innings, giving up only one hit.
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.
“It was a bit of a scare with my hamstring. Thanks to the trainers—and a trainer from Argentina who really helped me—I was able to recover and return quickly,” said Pimentel after the game. “It was a temporary issue, but I always say: As long as the mind is strong, it’s stronger than the body.”
After pitching only one third of an inning during the tournament, Toyo played a key role in the final, pitching one scoreless inning holding the lead for Venezuela. “I don’t believe in just one player. This is a team sport,” said Lopez. “I always told them, ‘Wait for your chance.’ Some of them are juniors, facing elite athletes for the first time. Toyo had some ups and downs, but we trusted him. You saw the pitches—he’s ready for this level. And he came in at the right time, relieved Pimentel, and helped seal the win over New Zealand.”
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.
“Our pitching staff did an excellent job maintaining the lead against a New Zealand team that we’ve always respected for their quality,” said catcher Rafael Flores. “I’ve always admired their hitting style—it’s hard for us because we come from a different batting culture, but we always try to learn from them.”
Kleiver Rodriguez added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth with a home run to center field, giving Venezuela a 3-0 lead.
“We’re back among the greats. Our softball is now on par with Argentina, Canada, New Zealand, the USA. This gives us huge satisfaction,” closed Lopez.
Credit: WBSC