WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup - Day 8: Japan head into final against Australia with perfect win-record
After sweeping the two rounds of the U-18 Men's Softball World Championship, Japan will make their seventh appearance in the final of the age-group tournament looking to reverse the result of the final two years ago when they lost to Australia 6-1.
Japan, the 2018 silver medallist, is headed into the gold medal game on Sunday - in a repeat of the final two years against Australia - with seven wins from seven games following their triumph over the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, defending champions Australia bounced back from a defeat to Japan on Friday with a victory over the home side on the last day of the Super Round of the U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Both Japan and Australia had already confirmed their places in the World Championship Game after Friday's matches so Saturday's games were a chance to have a final workout before the big finale on Sunday.
Japan defeated the Czech Republic with Rui Mimoto leading the charge to record an 8-1 run victory – six of these runs came from their productive performances in the first three innings. The top-ranked team is looking to win their third youth title since claiming the championship in 1981 and 2016.
Australia are hoping to capture their sixth world title in the age-group tournament since their victories in 1997, 2001, 2006, 2008 and 2018. Their Super Round encounter with rivals New Zealand came out as a hard-fought clash as left-handed pitcher Boston Lowe was impressive with a complete game, 1-hit shutout.
Meanwhile, Argentina will head into the Bronze Medal Game against the Czech Republic with a positive finish to their Super Round stint as they were too good for Guatemala, 8-1. Julian Reitober sparked Argentina’s offence hitting a two-run home run.
Canada defeated Denmark 11-4 as Ryan Bicknell hit an inside the park Grand Slam to confirm his team’s seventh-place finish in the tournament. Denmark finished in 12th place this year after a winless tournament for the second edition in a row.
Mexico placed eighth in the tournament after their 9-1 triumph against Singapore. Fernando Lopez two hits and three RBI highlighted their victory.
While South Africa came up with back-to-back victories in the Placement Round as they edged the United States 11-8 to claim 10th spot, a repeat of their performance two years ago. The United States concluded their campaign in 11th place, their worst result in this age group. Kyle Weideman finished the match with a home run and five RBI.
Sunday's matches see Argentina play Czech Republic in the Bronze Medal Game at 13:00 local time while the World Championship Game between Japan and Australia will take place at 16:00. Watch both games live or on demand here.