The final match of the Campeonato Nacional Infantil "AA" de Beisbol unfolded on the evening of June 13 in the coastal state of Nueva Esparta, where Zulia’s youth squad faced Lara in a showdown that would rewrite recent baseball history. The 6‑0 final score not only secured the championship but also marked Zulia’s first national crown in the under‑12 category since 2004.
A Dominant Performance
Greiber Diaz, who took the mound for Zulia, delivered 4.1 innings without allowing a run, while also contributing a timely hit at the plate. Complementing Diaz’s effort, Bratley Reyes went a perfect 3‑for‑3, driving in two runs and scoring twice, a performance that left teammates and coaches celebrating.
Lara’s offensive output was limited to three scattered hits, courtesy of Luis Campos, Isaac Urquiola and Sebastian Jimenez, underscoring the effectiveness of Zulia’s pitching and defensive strategy. The decisive victory was sealed as the Zulia batters capitalized on every opportunity, turning a modest early lead into a comfortable margin.
Aragua, meanwhile, fought back from a deficit to defeat Carabobo 10‑7 and claim the bronze medal. Miguel Galavis led the charge with a 3‑for‑4 outing that included five RBIs, while reliever Milan Rondon struck out five batters to preserve the lead in the closing innings.
The tournament, which ran from June 6 to 13, featured fourteen teams from across Venezuela and was staged at three venues: the José Luis Bruzual, Angel Brito and Freddy Subero stadiums. The compact schedule allowed fans to experience high‑stakes baseball in an intimate setting, highlighting the growing popularity of youth competitions in the country.
Beyond the scoreboard, the championship underscores a broader resurgence of baseball in Venezuela’s grassroots programs. With scouts and officials watching, the performances of players like Diaz and Reyes may well signal a new generation of talent poised to make an impact on the international stage.