In a game between two sides looking for a historic first WBC qualifier win, it was the Albiceleste that came out on top. Armed with the blessing of soccer star Angel "El Fideo" DiMaria, Argentina secured a historic 7-4 wij over Pakistan to start their campaign on the right foot. Both teams deserve credit for playing through some pre-game adversity. Pakistan lost one of their stars, former NFL QB Gibran Hamdan to a last minute positive PCR test. Meanwhile, Argentina lost several players off their roster to a visa snafu which understandably angered the Argentine baseball federation.
As for the game itself, it was Pakistan who struck first in the second cashing in a run on a double play scoring Zan Von Schlegell. Argentina responded with a run on a passed ball in the third and two in the fourth after Pakistan had scored again in the top of that inning. They would never look back, adding four in the sixth with an Exequiel Talevi triple being the dagger. Pakistan would make it interesting with two in the ninth but Argentina would hang on for a 7-4 win.
For Argentina, Talevi was the star with two hits, two driven in and three runs scored. Eduardo Zubriggen also drove in a pair. Meanwhile, Lucas Ramon put in a very strong six innings for the win and a quality start. Pakistan got two hits from Iyad Ansari and a very creditable effort from University of British Columbia pitcher Amir Ascari with four strikeouts and 2.1 innings pitched. Pakistan hurt their own cause with four fielding errors and a combined eight walks however.
For Argentina, a very tough test awaits in the form of hosts Panama. Meanwhile, Pakistan will attempt to stay alive against the loser of the Brazil-Nicaragua game. For Pakistan, a much better performance than at the 2016 qualifiers so far but they will need that historic first win in their next game to keep their hopes of qualification alive. Argentina have made El Fideo proud though and will look for the first upset of the qualifier in their next game.
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