MEN’S SOFTBALL TEAM DREAMS OF MAKING IT FAR IN LIMA 2019

Men’s softball will be one of the sports that makes its debut at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games. Because of the expectation surrounding this debut, the Peruvian men’s team, that came together for this edition of the Pan American Games, has been working hard to be in optimal conditions for the competition. They are currently training in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, until Monday, July 22.

Moreover, they have gained a lot of experience with the addition of two recently naturalized Peruvian citizens, Venezuelans Eyzer Mujica and Daniel José Ramírez.

“I thank Peru for welcoming me with open arms. I will fight for the Peruvian team at the Lima 2019 Games,” stated Daniel Ramírez, who feels like a Peruvian and plays as an outfielder on the team. He has been living in Peru for four years.

Before traveling to Santo Domingo, the team trained every day to get ready for this great challenge. They trained at the Lima 2019 softball venue, the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

As a team sport, cohesion and understanding between all players are essential. “We’re not only teammates, we’re a family. We get along well and that makes us strong,” pointed out Diego Riquelme, the pitcher of the Peruvian team.

The team shared their thoughts on their rivals: “They’re the top Pan American teams. Argentina recently beat Japan, became world champion and is coming to Lima to fight for the gold medal,” said Riquelme.

“I look forward to fighting for Peru and to put my heart and soul into it. I wish the stadium was ready. Seeing the stands packed will be exciting,” added the Peruvian softball player.

ABOUT THE LIMA 2019 COMPETITION

Softball will be contested in three rounds for seven days. The first stage will have a round-robin format and the top four teams will advance to the semifinals. In these matches, the team in first place will face the one placed second, and the third will play against the fourth.

The men’s team will make its debut against Cuba on July 25, at 16:00. It will also play against Mexico on July 27 and against Venezuela on July 28. Both matches will be at 16:00. The following day, they will play against the United States at the same time, and their last match will be against Argentina on July 30, at 18:00.

The winner of the first pool advances directly to the Grand Final. Meanwhile, the loser of the first pool faces the winner of the second pool in the final. The winner of this last match qualifies to the final round, the Grand Final, and competes against the winner of the first pool for the gold medal.

The competition will take place at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center. You can buy your tickets at www.lima2019.pe/tickets or at the authorized points of sale located throughout the city.

“Please make an effort to buy your tickets and go to see us so that you can enjoy the best sport in the world,” concluded Diego Riquelme.

See the fixture