Nicaragua vs Venezuela Prediction WBC 3/14/23

Nicaragua

Nicaragua has endured a tough start to their 2023 World Baseball Classic campaign, losing all three of their opening matches. Despite some promising moments, the team has struggled to find any real consistency and will need to produce a much-improved performance against Venezuela if they are to stand any chance of progressing to the next round.

Hitting

In terms of hitting, Nicaragua has shown glimpses of their quality but has lacked the killer instinct in crucial moments. Elian Miranda has been the standout performer so far, with a batting average of .286 and a slugging percentage of .714. Benjamin Alegria has also impressed with a batting average of .375, although he is yet to register a home run or an RBI.

Pitching

Nicaragua's pitching has been their Achilles heel so far, with the team conceding a total of 22 runs in their three matches. Jonathan Loaisiga and JC Ramirez have struggled the most, with Loaisiga having an ERA of 27.00 and Ramirez with an ERA of 15.00. The team will need a much-improved performance from their pitching department if they are to get a positive result against Venezuela.

Venezuela

In contrast, Venezuela has made a perfect start to their World Baseball Classic campaign, winning both of their opening matches comfortably. The team has shown their quality in both batting and pitching departments and will be confident of extending their winning run against Nicaragua.

Hitting

Venezuela's batting has been in scintillating form so far, scoring a total of 14 runs in their two matches. Salvador Perez has been the standout performer, with a batting average of .625, three doubles, one home run, and five RBIs. Anthony Santander has also been impressive, with a batting average of .333 and two home runs.

Pitching

Venezuela's pitching has been equally impressive, conceding only one run in their two matches. Pablo Lopez has been the pick of the bowlers, with an ERA of 1.93 and six strikeouts in 4.2 innings. Luis Garcia has also been in fine form, with an ERA of 0.00 and seven strikeouts in three innings.

Injuries

Both teams have a clean bill of health heading into this crucial encounter.

Prediction

Based on current form and performances so far in the tournament, Venezuela will start as overwhelming favorites for this match. Their batting has been in sensational form, with Perez and Santander leading the way, while their bowlers have been equally impressive. Nicaragua, on the other hand, has struggled in both departments and will need to produce something special to get a positive result.

Pick: Venezuela - Download the Kingpin iOS or Android app today!

Final Thoughts

As the 2023 World Baseball Classic heats up, Nicaragua and Venezuela are set to produce a thrilling encounter at loanDepot park. Venezuela will start as clear favorites and will be looking to extend their winning run, while Nicaragua will be hoping to produce a much-improved performance to keep their hopes of progressing to the next round alive.