Mexican pitchers allowed only three hits and one walk in the shutout win, and Mexico now have three wins from four to sit top of Group A.

The top three teams will advance to the super round, and defending champions Mexico - who have won three games on the spin - will be one of them.

Cuba and the Dominican Republic also picked up vital wins, both against European opposition.

Cuba blasted past Germany 10-3 and the Dominicans were 2-0 victors versus the Czech Republic. 

They both have two wins and one loss, after their opener was rained off, but that game is scheduled to be made up on Tuesday (September 28).

In Group B, Venezuela won for the fourth game in a row and left South Korea's hopes of winning the title in major jeopardy.

South Korea could muster only two hits as they went down 3-0, and the top-ranked team entering this World Baseball Softball Confederation tournament now have three defeats in their opening four games.

South Korea are one game behind third-placed Panama, who they already lost to so trail on the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Colombia thrashed Nicaragua 10-0 and are looking good in second, while The Netherlands beat Panama 4-1 to keep their slim hopes of reaching the super round alive, and earning a first win in the process.