A stellar performance by Ivan Andueza guided his team to victory at the Estadio de Beisbol 18 de Junio in Montería.

Andueza struck out 10 opponents in six innings as the Venezuelans made it four wins out of four in Group B.

Just behind them in second place are 2016 bronze medallists South Korea, who defeated 2016 runners-up Australia 14-7 today.

The one other game in Group B saw Puerto Rico thrash Czech Republic 20-0 to earn their first win.

It condemned their opponents to a fourth successive loss.

In Group A, defending champions Japan maintained their perfect record with a 5-0 triumph over The Netherlands at the Edgar Renteria Baseball Stadium in Barranquilla.

The team they beat yesterday, Mexico, guaranteed their place in the super round by edging hosts Colombia 7-6.

Chinese Taipei, meanwhile, got themselves off the mark at the third time of asking with a 12-0 victory over winless South Africa.

Round-robin action in Colombia is due to continue tomorrow.

The Group A schedule is made up of matches between Chinese Taipei and The Netherlands, South Africa and Mexico, and Japan and Colombia.

In Group B, South Korea face Venezuela, Czech Republic meet the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico go up against Australia.