Better late than never.
Venezuela has joined the other 11 nations at the World Junior Baseball Championship in Thunder Bay, meaning once again the schedule will have to be shifted. The news comes two days after the team pulled out of the bi-annual under-18 tournament.
The International Baseball Federation and the Thunder Bay International Baseball Association made the announcement on Saturday.
The first change to the schedule meant the cancellation of Saturday morning's meet Team Italy event at Port Arthur Stadium. Instead, Italy will play Venezuela at 4 p.m. Saturday at Baseball Central 2.
TBIBA officials say there will be no on field pre-game batting practice for the game between the Czech Republic and Panama at Baseball Central 1 at 4:30 p.m. or the re-scheduled Venezuela versus Italy game at 4 p.m. at Baseball Central 2.
"While we regret any inconvenience to the fans, we are working hard to get the word out of the changes in the schedule", said TBIBA Executive Director Warren Philp.
"We are at the same time pleased that we will be able to welcome Team Venezuela to this exciting competition", he added.
Venezuela's forfeited its first game Friday, awarded a 9-0 loss to Australia. That game will not be made up.
