In the first game of the knockout stages, Israel’s quest for glory lived to see another day, as it took down Mexico, 12-5, for the country’s first Olympics victory.
Nick Rickles put Israel on top with three RBIs in the first three innings. The former A’s Minor Leaguer drove in the first run of the game five batters in, lacing a single to left field to drive in Ryan Lavarnway. Two innings later, he drove in two more runs on a single to center field to extend the lead.
Former big leaguer Danny Valencia swatted a three-run homer in the third as well, driving in Scotty Burcham and Ian Kinsler as part of the five-run inning.
Mexico stormed back in the bottom of the third with four runs. Jonathan Jones Jr. sparked the rally with a double to lead off the inning and Ryan Goins followed with another two-bagger to drive in a run. Goins later scored on a wild pitch, which ended the day for starter Josh Zeid. Isaac Rodriguez stole two bases before scoring on a Sebastian Elizalde double and Joey Meneses singled to bring Elizalde home as well.
Adrián González brought Mexico to within one run in the sixth inning with an RBI single. But Israel responded with a six-run inning in the seventh. MLB veterans Fernando Salas and Oliver Pérez recorded one out each in the inning.
Zack Weiss got the win in relief, while starter Manuel Barreda was took the loss.
Israel moves on to the second round and faces the winner of South Korea vs. Dominican Republic.