Spain scares Japan, Canada outscores China, easy win for USA

Japan came from behind to beat Spain, 4-2.
Spanish starter Justin Luna had outdueled Japan’s Yousuke Ikeda for seven innings. He was working with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Japan’s centre fielder Keito Mori at first and a 2-0 lead.  The inning was stretched by a defensive error. Second baseman Shoma Sakashita reached first and Mori advanced to second. Japan made the most of it: first baseman Yuya Nirasawa and third baseman Takaya Ishikawa tied the game with back to back singles. Left fielder Jo Endo doubled to make it 4-2.

Canada outscored China, 17-3, to debut in the U-18 Baseball World Cup. Left-hander Mitchell Bratt went 5.2 innings to earn the win.

Canada broke the score open in the bottom of the second against starter Xie Shijie. Back to back doubles by shortstop Austin Gomm and catcher Raphael Pelletier and a two-out single by third baseman Tyrell Schofield-Sam to make it 5-0.

China got to 16-year old Bratt in the top of the fourth, scoring two on back to back singles by right fielder Xing Wenbin and centre fielder Hou Hangang. Another run scored on an error.

Canada stroke right back in the bottom half of the frame, scoring four in an at-bat highlighted by a two-RBI single by third baseman Tyrell Schofield-Sam against reliever Xie Shijie.

Canada took the game to a quick end scoring eight in the bottom of the fifth against Wang Weiyi.

The defending World Champions USA needed only seven innings to defeat South Africa, 11-0.
USA starter Kyle Harrison went 5.1 innings for the win, allowing only two hits. He struck out nine, including the first three batters of the game.

The USA was quick to get to South Africa’s starter Jaryd White. Designated hitter Tyler Doderstrom batted in the first run in the first and another in the third. The USA broke the score open with a five-run third at-bat. Center fielder Robert Hassell and second baseman Hunter Haas highlighted the at-bat with doubles.