Venezuela Rallies Past USA TIGRES 6-4 Behind Frassato and Mena
Venezuela erased an early three-run deficit and pulled away late for a 6-4 victory over USA TIGRES on January 3, 2026, in Houston. The seven-inning contest featured 12 hits from Venezuela, a three- hit performance from Mauro Frassato and 4 2/3 strong relief innings from Juan Mena.
USA TIGRES jumped in front with three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Venezuela answered immediately, scoring three times in the second to even the game. After a scoreless third, Venezuela pushed across a run in the fourth to take a 4-3 lead. USA TIGRES trimmed the margin by scoring once in the sixth, but Venezuela responded with two runs in the seventh to establish the final 6-4 score.
Frassato led Venezuela at the plate, going 3- for-3 with two runs scored, an RBI and a double. Yorkfan Nieves also had three hits in four at-bats, scored once and stole two bases. Renyel Pinto added two hits and a run, while Alex Ramirez tripled, walked twice and drove in a run. Endry Garcia contributed an RBI triple, and Leo Parra, Miguel Torres and Victor Salazar each recorded an RBI.
On the mound, Venezuela starter Edinson Diaz allowed three runs, two earned, on five hits over 2 1/3 innings, striking out three. Mena took over and worked the final 4 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out five. The Venezuela pitching staff combined for eight strikeouts.
USA TIGRES received a three-hit effort from Armani Sanchez, who finished 3-for-3 with a run scored. Yobany Millian went 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI, and Vic Molina reached base three times with a hit and two walks, scoring twice. Freddy Rojas also drove in a run.
Sam Garza started for USA TIGRES and surrendered three runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings. Fred Villareal followed with 4 1/3 innings, giving up one unearned run while striking out four. Manny Alvarez pitched the seventh and allowed two runs on four hits.
Venezuela finished with six runs on 12 hits and two errors. USA TIGRES totaled four runs on nine hits and one error. The game lasted two hours and 47 minutes.
