PERUVIAN MEN’S SOFTBALL TEAM HOPEFUL TO GO FAR AT LIMA 2019

Softball will be another sport to feature in Lima 2019, in both men's and women's events. The Peruvian men’s team, which will participate in the Pan American Games for the first time, is working intensely to be in optimal condition for the competition. The team will be training in Santo Domingo until Monday, July 22.

The team has gained a lot of experience thanks to the inclusion 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 plays as an outfielder. 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, 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, pitcher in the Peruvian team.

About 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 Diego.

“I look forward to fighting for Peru and to putting my heart and soul into it. I'd like the stadium to be full, with no room left for anyone else to enter,” added Daniel.

Softball competitions will be held 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 first place will face the second and the third will play against the fourth.

The Peruvian men’s team will make its debut against Cuba on July 25, at 16:00. It will then play against Mexico on July 27 and against Venezuela on July 28. Both matches will also 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 will advance directly to the Grand Final. Meanwhile, the loser of the first pool will face the winner of the second pool in a stage called final. The winner of this match will advance to the final round, the Grand Final, and will face the winner of the first pool for the gold medal.

The competition will take place at 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 watch us, so you can enjoy the best sport in the world,” concluded Diego Riquelme.

See the fixture below