WBSC Junior Men’s Softball World Championship: Guatemala, India on top in Placement Round

India and Guatemala advanced today in the Placement Round with triumphs against Hong Kong and South Africa respectively. They both will meet tomorrow to decide which team advances to the game for the ninth place in the final standings.

Guatemala 2-1 South Africa

Guatemala and South Africa played the best game of the Placement Round so far, a 2-1 contest in favor of the Central American team. Guatemala jumped ahead in the score with one run in the third, but the African team tied the ballgame in the top of the fourth inning, with a home run off the bat of Reece Nyland.

However, in the bottom of that frame Brayan Giron hit a game-winning home run to left field to give his team the victory. Guatemalan pitcher Juan Morals pitched the complete game, with 12 strikeouts.

Hong Kong 1-12 India

India scored multiple runs in its three offensive innings, including an 8-run second frame, to clinch a four-inning victory over Hong Kong.

Indian pitcher Gaurav Chaudhari worked for 3 innings with 5 strikeouts and 1 hit, to claim the victory.

Denmark 4-9 Hong Kong

After two scoreless innings, Hong Kong scored in its last four attacks to clinch a 9-4 victory over Denmark. An RBI single by Leong Ching produced the first run of the game for Hong Kong in the bottom of the third. However a two-run homer by Oliver Summer to center field gave the Europeans the temporary lead.

But the Asian squad scored multiple runs in the next three innings to clinch the victory. Mervyn Yu was credited with the win, after a complete game effort. He struck out 9 opponents and allowed 6 hits and 2 walks.

Denmark 5-7 South Africa

In the final game of the day, South Africa clinched its second win of the tournament over Denmark, 7-2, and remains alive in the Placement Round. South Africa entered the sixth inning with a 7-1 advantage, but a 4-run rally for the Europeans made the last inning more interesting, but they couldn’t complete the come back.

The Denmark National Team ended its participation in the WBSC Junior Men’s Softball World Championship winless, in the 13th place.

TOMORROW GAMES – PLACEMENT ROUND

P5 – 9:30 – Hong Kong v South Africa

P6 – 12:00 – India v Guatemala

P7 – Loser P6 v Winner P 5

P8 – Winner P6 v Winner P 7