Ichiro Cano’s walk-off home run powers Mexico past Spain

Mexico won the tug-at-war against Spain with Ichiro Cano’s walk-off home run, 6-5, securing their first win in the Placement Round. Their record in the second stage of the XXXI WBSC U-18 World Cup is now 2-2.

Spain performed a well-executed inning-ending double play in the bottom of the second. Right after, they took the lead, 1-0, with Javier Miranda’s single through the left side, driving in Pablo Costales’ run.

Although playing the second game of a doubleheader, Mexico wouldn’t make it easy for Spain. Isael Arias hit a solo homer over the left-field fence in the bottom of the third to tie the game.

Mexico extended the lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth with two triples. Jorge Hernandez and Santiago Contreras tripled to right field, and Hernandez scored himself on a wild pitch while Contreras sent Omar Bustamante back home.

Spain started their comeback in the top of the fifth. Ayson Mcintosh scored on a defensive error, and Miquel Blanco tied the game on a sacrifice bunt by Javier Miranda. Spain added two other runs on a couple of defensive errors, ending the inning with a 5-3 lead.

Despite the pressure on Mexico, they caught up at 5-4 in the bottom of the fifth with Angel Arredondo’s single up the middle, driving in Isael Arias’ run. Spain then turned an excellent defensive play to retire Mexican batters, preventing them from coming back.

In the bottom of the sixth, Mexico tied the game again at five with Angel Nieblas’ single up the middle, sending Antonis Macias back home.

Ichiro Cano hit a walk-off home run to deep right centre in the bottom of the seventh, ending the game 6-5.

Mexico (2-2) will finish the Placement Round against Panama at 9.30 local time on Saturday, 9 September, while Spain will play their last game against Australia at 12.30.