WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup – Day 5: Venezuela beat Argentina to claim final Super Round spot, schedule announced

A two-out, two-run single from Sebastian Hassell (pictured) in the top of the seventh gave Venezuela the crucial 3-2 win over Argentina to secure third place in Group B. They join Mexico (2-0), USA (2-0), Canada (1-1), Japan (1-1) and Australia (0-2) in the battle for the title of World Champions.

The Opening Round of the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup closed on Wednesday in Hermosillo, Mexico, as the Super Round teams and records were confirmed after Wednesday’s five games. In the exciting game third game of the day, Venezuela pipped Argentina in a 3-2 thriller, becoming the sixth and final team in the Super Round after finishing third in Group B. They joined Mexico (2-0), USA (2-0), Canada (1-1), Japan (1-1) and Australia (0-2) in the battle for the title of World Champions.

With the Super Round teams confirmed, the WBSC announced the schedule of the Super Round, starting on Thursday. See the full schedule and results here.

Czechia vs Colombia 10 – 1 Box score
Canada vs Australia 4 – 3 Box score
Venezuela vs Argentina 3 – 2 Box score
New Zealand vs USA 10 – 8 Box score
Singapore vs Mexico 3 – 11 Box score

Venezuela and Australia, the lowest ranked nations in the Super Round standings with a 0-2 win-loss record, will play each other at 14.00 local time with both likely needing a win to remain in medal contention.

Canada and Japan, both tied in the Super Round standings with a 1-1 record, will face off at 17.00; while Mexico and USA, the two teams on top of the standings, will close the day at 20:00.

Out of Wednesday’s five games, the Venezuela v Argentina match up was touted as a crunch encounter with the winner going through to the Super Round and the loser in the Placement Round. And the game certainly delivered with Venezuela coming from behind in the top of the seventh to defeat Argentina, 3-2. A two-out, two-run single from Sebastian Hassell in the top of the seventh gave Venezuela the much-needed win to secure third place in Group B.

In the first game at Fernando Ortiz Stadium, Australia and Canada also played with a lot on the line including second place in Group A as well as a superior Super Round record. Canada recovered from a 2-0 deficit in the sixth to defeat Australia, 4-3, in their last game of the Opening Round. With the win Canada clinched the second place in Group A, leaving Australia third.

Venezuela and Australia, the lowest ranked nations in the Super Round standings with a 0-2 win-loss record, will play each other at 14.00 local time. It’s probably the last opportunity for them to remain in contention for a medal.

Canada and Japan, both tied in the Super Round standings with 1-1, will face off at 17.00; while Mexico and USA, the two teams on top of the standings, will close the day at 20:00.

In the biggest game of the day, Venezuela came from behind in the top of the seventh to defeat Argentina, 3-2, and secure a spot in the Super Round. A two-out, two-run single from Sebastian Hassell in the top of the seventh gave Venezuela the much-needed win to secure third place in Group B. Argentina dropped to the Placement Round.

In the first game at Fernando Ortiz stadium Australia and Canada collided with the second place of the group at stake, and therefore with implications for the Super Round standings. Canada recovered from a 2-0 deficit in the sixth to defeat Australia, 4-3, in their last game of the Opening Round. With the win Canada clinched the second place in Group A, leaving Australia third.

Credit: WSBC