Australia, Mexico and USA remain unbeaten after collecting their third win, and in the case of USA their second win, from as many games after another exciting day’s play on Day 3 of the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup Opening Round in Hermosillo, Mexico on Monday.
Joel Byrne tossed and eight-inning complete game to lead Australia to a thrilling 3-2 win over Czechia while Mexico beat Canada 10-3 and USA secured an important win against defending champions Japan, 9-1 in five innings.
Meanwhile, tournament debutants Colombia earned an historic victory against Singapore, 8-5, at Mundialistras Hermosillenses stadium while Argentina made a statement with an 18-1 triumph over New Zealand.
With the top three teams in each group advancing to the Super Round, the battle for a spot in the next stage is heating up with two days left to play in the Opening Round.
| Singapore vs Colombia | 5 – 8 | Box score |
| Australia vs Czechia | 3 – 2 | Box score |
| Argentina vs New Zealand | 18 – 1 | Box score |
| USA vs Japan | 9 – 1 | Box score |
| Mexico vs Canada | 10 – 3 | Box score |
In the best game of the day, Australia outlasted Czechia, 3-2, in eight innings with Byrne tossing an eight-inning complete game to lead Australia to victory. The right hander struck out nine, while giving up three hits, two runs and three walks. Australia had a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the seventh, but Andrej Sokol hammered a two-out homer to tie the game and send it to extra innings.
It was an historic day for Colombia as they claimed the country’s first win in the history of the tournament. In their third game at the U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup, the world No. 24 defeated Singapore, ranked 12th in the world, 8-5.
Meanwhile, Argentina made a statement today, bouncing back from an opening loss to Japan on Sunday with an 18-1 triumph over New Zealand, in their second game of the tournament. The South Americans collected 13 hits in four innings, led by Genaro Correa, Juan Godoy and Facundo Gonzalez with two hits each.
USA secured an important win against winners of the last edition in 2020 Japan, 9-1 in five innings, to remain as the only undefeated team in Group B. The Pan American champions had a strong offensive performance with 10 hits, including a pair of solo homers from Wylie Baumer and Manuel Mendham. Day One Player of the Day Logan Boom went 3-for-4 from the leadoff spot.
An explosive 15-hit offence and a solid appearance from Carlos Parra in relief led Mexico to a 10-3 win over Canada, to remain as Group A’s leading team. A total of 10 Mexican players connected a hit in the game.
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Credit: WSBC