Endry Garcia Drives in Six as Venezuela Defeats Mexico 12-1
5 innings
Venezuela delivered an offensive explosion on January 2, 2026, defeating Mexico 12-1 in five innings at the Coastal Baseball Classic. Third baseman Endry Garcia led the way with three hits and six RBIs, including a double, triple and home run, as Venezuela collected 13 hits in the victory.
Garcia finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored, accounting for half of Venezuela's 12 runs batted in. His performance highlighted an offense that broke the game open with six runs in the fourth inning before adding three more in the fifth.
Leo Parra helped set the table, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored, an RBI, a walk and a stolen base. Yorkfan Nieves added two hits and scored once, while Miguel Torres finished 2-for-3 with two doubles, two runs scored and a stolen base. Juan Mena and Josue Mendoza each contributed a hit and an RBI, and Alex Ramirez added an RBI double.
Venezuela built its advantage after a scoreless first inning, scoring once in the second and twice in the third. The six-run fourth inning put the game out of reach. Mexico managed its lone run in the fourth inning but could not mount a comeback.
On the mound, Renyel Pinto delivered four strong innings for Venezuela, allowing four hits and one unearned run while striking out seven. Pinto threw 84 pitches and worked around three walks. Diego Luzardo finished the game with a perfect fifth inning, striking out all three batters he faced on just nine pitches.
Mexico's pitching staff struggled to contain Venezuela's lineup. Starter Gage Bellatti allowed nine hits and nine runs, four earned, in 3⅔ innings. George Drake surrendered three additional runs in one inning, while Tavo Valdez recorded the final out without allowing a run.
Jose Galvan led Mexico offensively with two hits, including a triple. Alberto Diaz and Pedro Jimenez each doubled, accounting for Mexico's other two hits. Mexico committed four errors, while Venezuela committed two.
The victory was a convincing all-around performance for Venezuela, combining Garcia's six- RBI afternoon with 13 team hits and 10 strikeouts from its pitching staff.
Game highlights: Endry Garcia — 3 H, HR, 3B, 2B, 6 RBI; Leo Parra — 2 H, 3 R; Miguel Torres — 2 H, 2 doubles; Renyel Pinto — 4 IP, 7 K; Diego Luzardo — 1 IP, 3 K.