USA beat Canada, stay on top of the super round of the U-18 Baseball World Cup

The United States beat (8-3 Canada) and, together with Korea, lead undefeated (3-0) the super round of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017. Canada had more hits (10-6) but committer more errors (3-1) and, above all, blew a couple of big scoring chances in the second (2 runners lost at home plate) and in the seventh, when they hit into an inning ending double play with the bases loaded.

Eric Cerantola is off a wild start for Canada, as he walks the first 3 batters. He gets the first out striking out catcher Mc Nair Seigler. USA get on the scoreboard when Canada shortstop Willow stops a sharp roller by first baseman Casas but cannot complete a play. The second run scores as left fielder Thomas grounds out to first on a swinging bunt.

Canada score one run in the second and lose 2 runners at home plate in the same at bat. With one out, Willow singles to right and runs all the way to third as designated hitter Cerny blasts a fly over right fielder Kelenic and off the wall. Willow scores on a wild pitch, while Cerny advances to third. On a slow chopper to third by right fielder Clarke, Cerny tries to score, but Gorman throws him out. Clarke then steals second and tries to score himself on left fielder Parente base hit to left. The throw by Thomas seems off target, but catcher Mc Nair Seigler dives to apply the tag.

Casas makes it 3-0 for the USA as he homers with 1 out in the bottom of the third. Casas drives Cerantola first pitch over the center field fence.
The day is over for USA starter Rocker in the top of the fourth. With 2 outs, Willow (base hit) at second and Clarke (walk) at first, Joel Marceaux takes the mound. He gets out of the inning striking out Parente on 3 pitches.

Landon Marceaux earned the win going 4.1 innings (Christian J Stewart-WBSC)

USA add a run in the sixth without getting a hit off reliever Cade Smith. Thomas reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Julien, steals second and gets to third on a throwing error by catcher Brookman. With Canada infield in, Delgado hits a sharp grounder to right. Julien gets to the ball, but his throw home is late and Thomas scores.

Canada blow a huge scoring chance in the top of the seventh. Cerny doubles on a line drive to left field. Marceaux strikes out Clarke on 3 pitches for the first out, but then hits Parente. Both runners advance on a wild pitch and Julien walks to load the bases. Keyes grounds to shortop on the first pitch and Turang can ignite an inning ending double play with the throw to Young at second.

USA add a run in the eighth. With 2 outs, Smith walks Mc Nair Seigler and Casas back to back. Mc Nair Seigler scores on a base hit by Thomas.
Canada still believes. Naylor leads off the bottom half of the frame with a deep double to left. Brookman looks at 2 balls and then delivers an RBI line drive double to left. He then advances on a passed ball and makes it 5-3 when Willow grounds out to shortstop.

USA break the score open as Casas completes his great night (3 for 4, home run, 5 RBIs) with a bases loaded double in the bottom of the eighth that extends USA lead to 8-3.
Mason Danaburg works the ninth for USA. The games ends on a double play manufactured by third baseman Gorman.