July 13, 2006 – Udron Claveria threw a three-hit complete game to lead Guatemala over the Virgin Islands 6-1 in the Latin American region of the Big League World Series.
The Guatemalan ace also recorded 10 strikeouts as he stifled the V.I. offense, which seemed overmatched at points.
The Virgin Islands scored first in the top half of the first inning when starting pitcher Dion Pickering lined a single back up the middle to drive Kahmari Leonard home.
Guatemala quickly answered with its first run of the ball game in the bottom half of the first. Guatemala's Diego Bran tagged up from second on a fly ball to center that Leonard, the V.I. center fielder, threw over the third baseman's head and into the Guatemala dugout.
Guatemala took the lead in the third inning when, with two outs, Rodrigo Castellano delivered the first of his team's three consecutive base hits. He was followed by Danilo Rojas and Ricardo Navarro.
Pickering walked the first two batters in the fourth inning before V. I. manager Leon Martin Jr. replaced him with Causton Merchant. Merchant retired the next two batters and got the third batter, Bran, to pop up behind third base in foul territory. However, Pickering — who had moved over to play third after the pitching change — could not make the play. Bran made the Virgin Islands pay for its mistake as he then returned to the batter's box and looped a two-RBI double down the right field line.
The Virgin Islands had its best opportunity to score in the top of the fifth when two base hits and a hit batsman loaded the bases for Kellen St. Luce. Unfortunately Luce couldn't drive any one home as he subsequently popped out to end the inning.
The loss drops the Virgin Islands to a record of 2-1.
Now, in order to advance to the next round, the V.I. team must win its next game against Panama on Thursday or hope that Nicaragua defeats Guatemala, which will be the final round-robin game at 8pm. If either happens the Virgin Islands will advance to the semifinals.
R-H-E
Virgin Islands 1- 3-4
Guatemala 6- 7-0
Winning Pitcher: Udron Claveria
Losing Pitcher: Dion Pickering
Top Hitters: V.I.– Dion Pickering 2-2
Gua — Danilo Rojas 3-4
