Colombia (2-0) continued their strong run in Group B of the 2026 World Baseball Classic qualifiers, beating China 8-1 (0-2) on Monday night after beating Brazil 5-0 to secure the top spot in the group.

Colombia coach Jose Mosquera said before the game: "This is the first time we have been seen as favourites and we used to be used as a joke – 'Oh, this is a football country'. As the bench coach of the 2023 Classic, Mosquera is well aware of the lessons of his team's slackening after an upset win over Mexico, stressing that even as the top seed, he should not be taken lightly.

Rio Gomez — son of the late ESPN reporter Pedro Gomez — threw six strikeouts in three innings and conceded just one point for hits, stolen bases and missed passes. The University of Arizona alumnus showed dominance on his first pitch at home: "It feels great, the only regret is not being able to play at Hi Corbett. "

Colombia Striker: MLB Pipeline No. 97 rookie Michael Arroyo was the trail starter, hitting a second base, picking two free runs and contributing two RBIs. Athletic outfield star Brayan Buelvas hit two hits in a game to score two points, and former Sidewinders player Jesús Marriaga hit a two-pointer from the left field to make four points per game.

"The only goal is to qualify for the main event of the classic – not only for the spectators, but also for the countless fans in the country and their teammates who were unable to participate this time," Mariaga said after the game.

China will face Brazil on Tuesday (1-1) to keep their hopes of qualifying for the play-offs alive; Colombia will face Germany (1 win, 1 loss) and a win will secure top spot in the group.